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Fujifilm releases several camera and lens firmware updates

06 Apr

In addition to the X-Pro2 firmware update we reported on last week, Fujifilm has released a number of firmware updates for several lenses and camera bodies: the X-Pro1, X-Pro2, X-M1, X-E1, X-A1, and X-A2, as well as the XF 50-140mm F2.8 and XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lenses. Changes and firmware versions vary based on model, but most camera body updates simply add support for a focus limiter function on the XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6.

See all Fujifilm lens and camera firmware updates

X-A1 Ver.1.40: Supports focus limiter function for XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
X-A2 Ver.1.20: Supports focus limiter function for XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
X-E1 Ver.2.60: Supports focus limiter function for XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
X-M1 Ver.1.40: Supports focus limiter function for XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
X-Pro1 Ver.3.60: Supports focus limiter function for XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
X-Pro2 Ver.1.01: Fix of auto reset to the factory default setting; improvement of image quality of the long exposure mode.
XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Ver.1.11: Improvement of AF function used with X-Pro1 and X-E1
XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR: Ver.1.01: Improvement of AF function used with X-Pro1 and X-E1

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Nikon issues D810 and D810A firmware updates with remote control bug fix

06 Apr

Firmware updates for the Nikon D810 and D810A cameras are now available. Both updates fix a bug that may cause the cameras to stop responding if attached to a WR-R10 wireless remote control running firmware 3.00. The updates bring the Nikon D810 to firmware version 1.11, and the Nikon D810A to firmware version 1.01.

Via: Nikon

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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DxO extends camera support with OpticsPro, FilmPack and ViewPoint updates

17 Mar

DxO has introduced updates for its OpticsPro, FilmPack and ViewPoint software that adds support for six new cameras, as well as 50 additional camera/lens modules to the DxO Optics Module library.

The updates add support for the following cameras:

Canon Powershot G5 X
Canon Powershot G9 X
Leica Q (typ 116)
Sony DSC-RX1R II
Canon EOS M10
Leica SL

DxO OpticsPro v10.5.4, DxO FilmPack v5.5.4 and DxO ViewPoint v2.5.13 are available for download now from DxO. Through March 31, new users can purchase DxO’s applications at a discount:

DxO OpticsPro 10 ESSENTIAL Edition: $ 64/£49 (instead of $ 129/£99)
DxO OpticsPro 10 ELITE Edition: $ 99/£79 (instead of $ 199/£159)
DxO FilmPack 5 ESSENTIAL Edition: $ 39/£29 (instead of $ 79/£59)
DxO FilmPack 5 ELITE Edition: $ 64/£49 (instead of $ 129/£99)
DxO ViewPoint 2: $ 39/£29 (instead of $ 79/£59)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Canon EOS 80D updates Dual Pixel AF, bumps resolution with 24MP sensor

19 Feb

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Canon has updated its prosumer DSLR line with the EOS 80D, offering a newly developed 24.2MP APS-C sensor, 45-point all cross-type autofocus module, updated Dual Pixel AF for live view still and video recording, and Wi-Fi with NFC.

Canon claims its new AF module, a notable improvement over the 70D’s 19-point system, is capable of focusing in low light conditions down to -3EV at the center point. Dual Pixel AF now offers continuous focus, and all pixels are able to perform phase detection focus while being used for still imaging. Video recording is offered at an improved 1080/60p.

The 80D uses a DIGIC 6 processor and provides a native ISO range in stills shooting from 100-16,000, expandable to 25,600. Burst shooting at up to 7 fps is on par with the 70D. The 80D is equipped with an approximately 100% coverage optical viewfinder and a fully articulated 3″ 1.04M-dot touchscreen LCD, as well as built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.

The Canon EOS 80D will be available in March for $ 1199 body-only or $ 1799 bundled with an updated EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM kit lens.

Read our detailed Canon EOS 80D overview

Press release:

SHARE YOUR PASSION THROUGH IMAGES USING
THE NEW EOS 80D DSLR CAMERA AND EF-S 18-135mm NANO USM LENS

Designed to Help Unleash the Creative Potential in Us All, New Imaging Technology
Will Help You Shoot & Share Amazing Images and Video

MELVILLE, N.Y., February 17, 2015 – Artists looking to turn their passion into popular online videos or to show the world their unique perspective through social networks now have a new tool available to them that helps them tear down creative barriers and produce dynamic visual content for both still and video. Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to introduce the new Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR camera, featuring an new 45-point AF system¹, 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor for crisp images with fine detail. For the budding videographer or online video star, the camera features Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus (DAF) technology coupled with an intuitive touchscreen capability for easy focusing when shooting video.

Canon is also introducing a new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens optimized for high-speed autofocusing when shooting stills and quiet and smooth zoom when shooting video. The lens is also compatible with Canon’s new Power Zoom Adapter for smooth cinematic ‘pulls’ when changing focal length on a subject, and responsive adjustments at the push of a button for stills or video.

Updated features in Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera include:

New 45-point all cross-type AF system
Intelligent Viewfinder with approximately 100% viewfinder coverage
Newly Developed 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS sensor
DIGIC 6 image processor for enhanced image quality
Improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth, fast and accurate autofocus with video and stills
Built-in Wi-Fi ² and NFC² capability for easy transfer of images and movies to compatible mobile devices
1080/60p Full HD video to capture brilliant results in MP4 format for easy movie sharing on select social networking sites
Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD II monitor enables flexible positioning and clear viewing even outdoors

“In today’s world, where everyone is a photographer or videographer, we at Canon are looking to provide the tools and features that help creative-minded people stand out from the pack and get noticed. The right technology cannot make someone creative, but it will help bring a creative vision to life,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The right combination of camera and lens helps those with a vision stand out and be recognized. We look forward to seeing what this new generation of passionate artists will create with these new tools.”

New AF System and Dual Pixel CMOS AF
The 45-point all cross-type viewfinder AF system in the new Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera, compared to 19-points in the Canon EOS 70D DSLR camera, is now wider both horizontally and vertically for easier compositions with off-center subjects. Low light AF performance has been improved all the way down to EV-3 at the center point to achieve sharp results even in extreme low-light situations. The camera’s AI (Artificial Intelligence) Servo AF II autofocusing system utilizes color tracking with a 7,560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor that automatically detects skin tone and colors to enhance tracking sensitivity, even with moving subjects that are rapidly changing pace or direction. Enhancing the ease-of-use of the new AF system is the Canon EOS 80D’s new Intelligent Viewfinder which features approximately 100% viewfinder coverage. The full coverage helps prevent photographers from missing objects that are in the corners of the scene, which can reduce the need to crop images later on.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF employs a new Canon CMOS sensor with which all of the effective pixels are able to perform both still imaging and phase-detection AF simultaneously to achieve dramatically improved AF performance during Live View and video shooting. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology in the Canon EOS 80D camera features enhanced tracking sensitivity and is compatible with the full line of Canon EF Series lenses, including the new Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM standard zoom lens.

High-Quality Still and Video Image Performance
Featuring a new 24.2 megapixel APS-C Canon CMOS sensor and Canon’s superb DIGIC 6 Image Processor, as well as an improved still image ISO range of 100–16000 (Video ISO range 100–12800, both expandable to 25600), the Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera is capable of producing sharp, detailed images and videos even in low-light conditions. High-speed continuous shooting up to seven frames per second (fps) combined with the 45-point all cross-type AF allows photographers to capture fast moving subjects easily and accurately, while the camera’s Scene Intelligent Auto Mode delivers optimized photos and offers outstanding scene detection for amazing results even when shooting in low light. HDR mode provides creative filter effects, such as natural, art standard, art bold, art vivid and art embossed. For added convenience, the Canon EOS 80D camera features Anti-Flicker shooting, similar to that found in the EOS 7D Mark II DSLR camera. Anti-Flicker shooting produces consistently high-quality results even when shooting in areas with fluorescent lighting or other flickering light sources by detecting the flicker cycle of the light source and shooting when brightness is near its peak.

When users select the EOS Movie mode, the Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera offers the ability to shoot in 1080p Full HD video up to 60 fps, compared to 30 fps in the Canon EOS 70D, in MP4 format and in either ALL-I or IPB compression modes with optional embedded time code. For expanded creativity the Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera features HDR movie and Time-Lapse movie modes and Movie creative filters like fantasy, old movie, memory, dramatic monochrome and miniature. Movie Servo AF custom settings allow users to speed up or slow down focusing speeds, enhancing creativity and artistic expression. For added flexibility, the Canon EOS 80D digital SLR camera also features a built-in headphone jack, a built-in stereo microphone with manual audio level adjustment, and an additional stereo microphone jack.

News Lens, Power Zoom Adapter, and Directional Stereo Microphone Enhance Video Quality
In addition to the new Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera, Canon U.S.A., Inc., is also introducing the Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens, a newly designed lens with a premium exterior design that will serve as the kit lens for the new Canon EOS 80D camera. This the first Canon lens equipped with Nano USM, a new type of focusing motor that combines the benefits of a ring USM (ultrasonic motor) for high-speed AF during still photo shooting and lead-screw type STM (stepping motor) for smooth and quiet movie AF, and improved AF speeds up to 4.3x (Tele) and 2.5x (Wide) faster than the previous model. The Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens also provides up to four stops of optical image stabilization. A new lens hood, the EW-73D, is included with the new lens.

To further enhance the ease-of-use when shootings movies with a Canon DLSR or Cinema EOS cameras, Canon is introducing the Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1, specifically constructed to be compatible with the design of the new Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens. The Canon Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1 is the world’s first detachable zoom adapter that provides silent and smooth zoom and can adjusted incrementally to 10 different levels of zoom speed³. Additionally, the PZ-E1 can be controlled remotely using the Canon Camera Connect app⁴.

In addition to the new lens and power zoom adapter, Canon is introducing the first Canon-branded external microphone for the EOS system, the Canon Directional Stereo Microphone DM-E1. This new accessory microphone will help improve sound quality while shooting video, allowing users to rotate the direction of the microphone up and down from 90 to 120 degrees depending on the shooting situation. The DM-E1’s durable shock mount construction helps to reduce camera operation noise and lens drive sounds and is built to withstand the rigors of a variety of shooting situations. Featuring a frequency response range of 50Hz to 16kHz, the DM-E1 comes with a wind screen to help limit peripheral sound from wind and other outside factors, allowing shooters to utilize the microphone in a broad amount of shooting situations. Featuring a built-in power supply from a single “button-type” lithium cell battery, the DM-E1 also has a power indicator lamp allowing users to easily check its battery level.

Availability
The Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR camera and EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens are currently scheduled to be available in March 2016 for an estimated retail price of $ 1,199.00 for the body only, $ 1,799.00 with the new EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens and $ 599.99 respectively.

The Canon Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1 and Directional Stereo Microphone DM-E1 are currently scheduled to be available in June 2016, for estimated retail prices of $ 149.99 and $ 249.99 respectively.

For more information visit, www.usa.canon.com/eos.

1. The number of AF points, cross-type AF points and dual cross-type AF points vary depending on the lens used.

2. Compatible with iOS® versions 7.1/8.4/9.0, AndroidTM smartphone and tablet versions 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.

3. As of 2/17/2016.

4. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.

Canon EOS 80D specifications

Price
MSRP	$ 1199 (body only), $ 1799 (w/18-135 lens)
Body type
Body type	Mid-size SLR
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	6000 x 4000
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	26 megapixels
Sensor size	APS-C (22.5 x 15 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	DIGIC 6
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 100-16000 (expands to 25600)
Boosted ISO (maximum)	25600
White balance presets	6
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, normal
File format	JPEG (Exif v2.3) Raw (Canon 14-bit CRW)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	45
Lens mount	Canon EF/EF-S
Focal length multiplier	1.6×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fully articulated
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,040,000
Touch screen	Yes
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	0.95×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/8000 sec
Exposure modes	Program Shutter priority Aperture priority Manual Bulb
Scene modes	Food Kids Candlelight Night Portrait Handheld Night Scene HDR Backlight Control Portrait Landscape Close-up Sports
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	12.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flash	Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash X sync speed	1/250 sec
Drive modes	Single High speed continuous Low speed continuous Silent single shooting Silent continuous shooting 10/2 sec self-timer/remote ctrl
Continuous drive	7.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p)
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Videography notes	Choice of ALL-I or IPB codecs
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I support)
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (mini-HDMI)
Microphone port	Yes
Headphone port	Yes
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11/b/g/n with NFC
Remote control	Yes (Wired, wireless, or via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	LP-E6N lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	960
Weight (inc. batteries)	730 g (1.61 lb / 25.75 oz)
Dimensions	139 x 105 x 79 mm (5.47 x 4.13 x 3.11″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Finally! Adobe updates Bridge CC for improved performance

10 Feb

Adobe has released a significant update to Bridge CC, its venerable file management program. Where Photoshop and Lightroom have seen multiple incremental updates over the past few years, Bridge has been left somewhat alone. That all changes today with multiple improvements including improved cache management, and an option to import images from external devices including iOS and Android mobile devices.

Sluggish performance, especially when displaying large numbers of thumbnails has been a perennial complaint among photographers who use Bridge. And although it has taken a while, Adobe seems to have listened to those complaints. Thumbnail previews are now generated on-demand rather than all at once, and metadata is loaded first so that filters can be used before all thumbnails have been generated. In another effort to boost performance, Adobe has introduced improvements to its cache management to automatically purge stale items when Bridge is idle.

This Bridge update also re-instates a feature that automatically identifies and stacks images shot in a sequence either for an HDR or panoramic composite.

Bridge CC version 6.2 is available for download now.

Press release:

Bridge Reloaded

Today we are pleased to announce the release of Adobe Bridge CC version 6.2.

Bridge was brought back to be managed by Megan Donahue, Director, Creative Cloud and Arno Gourdol, Sr. Engineering Director, Creative Cloud and their awesome teams. Arno is no stranger to Bridge since he has worked on several past releases. Our team has been working on several new initiatives that enhance user experience around asset management used by Creative Cloud customers. Most recent initiatives launched by this team include collaboration features in Creative Cloud as well as Creative Cloud Assets, and Creative Cloud Libraries.

This latest release of Adobe Bridge CC includes updates to the following feature set:

Automated cache management

The central cache of Adobe Bridge stores thumbnails, previews, and metadata information in a database. This database improves the performance when users browse or search files. However, the larger the cache, the more disk space it uses. Cache preferences help you manage the trade-off between performance and cache size. We have worked on improving purging cache capability, which is an existing feature in Bridge. In this update, automatic purging of stale cache items has been enabled when the application is idle.

We are also providing a cache compaction option to set up cache clean-up at exit in case the database size increases beyond a certain size. Both these options improve performance of the application and help keep the cache and database clean over extended periods.

For more information see, Work with the Adobe Bridge cache.

On-demand thumbnail generation

To improve the responsiveness of Bridge when you are browsing through a large set of assets, we have made improvements to the way the thumbnails, previews, and metadata are extracted/generated. Now when you select a folder, the thumbnails/previews are extracted on priority for only the on-screen assets. The thumbnails for the remaining files are either generated on demand (when you scroll down/up) or when the application is idle. The metadata extraction happens on priority for all assets, thereby enabling the filter panel and search to become functional sooner.

This change enables you to work with bulky folders without any performance issues like hangs and not-responding states. With this change, you will now have a fully updated Filter panel even before all the thumbnails/previews are generated. This will also enable you to search for the files even before all the thumbnails/previews are generated.

Import from device option on Mac

On Mac OS 10.11.x, Bridge CC did not recognize the following types of devices:

iOS mobile devices

Android mobile devices and digital cameras connected in PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) or MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode

In this update, an alternative to import media from these devices has been provided. You can now choose File > Import From Device to import media from the devices.

For more information, see Import from device on Mac OS 10.11.x.

Note: This is a Mac only feature and launches Apple Image Capture to bring files from devices into Bridge.

Other significant updates

We also reinstated Autostack Panorama/HDR feature. Given our focus was on stability and performance of Bridge, we have made significant updates to the core technology components. This will set the foundation for a technology platform to enable future development and modernization of Bridge.

Our team is very excited to bring this release as a stepping-stone for the work we have set out for 2016!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Leica updates wide-angle M lenses with new optical and design features

15 Jan

Left to right, and not to scale, Leica Elmarit-M 28mm F2.8 ASPH, Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH and Leica Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH

German camera brand Leica has introduced upgraded versions of three of its wide-angle M lenses that offer improvements to both build and performance, according to the company. The trio of reportage favorites are the Leica Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH, the Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH and the Leica Elmarit-M 28mm F2.8 ASPH. Each is a direct replacement for the current equivalent model.

All three of the lenses will be fitted with metal lens hoods and a ring to cover the hood mount when the hoods aren’t in use, and metal lens caps will replace the current plastic units.

The company hasn’t been absolutely clear about the optical changes that it has made, making general statements about sharpness improving across the frame. The 35mm Summicron though now has 11 aperture blades, while the previous versions of the lens had only seven, eight or ten blades.

The company also comments that both 28mm lenses have significantly improved curvilinear distortion controls that provide better drawing, as well as flatter field projection for increased resolution in the corners of the frame.

The new Leica M lenses are scheduled to be available as follows:

Leica Elmarit-M 28mm F2.8 ASPH. (black) – end January 2016, price £1,650
Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH. (black) – end January 2016, price £2,975
Leica Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH. – beginning of February 2016, black version price £2,250, silver anodised version price £2,350

For more information see the Leica website.

Press release:

Leica introduces new generation of classic Leica M lenses with improved performance

Leica Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH.
Leica Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH.
Leica Elmarit-M 28mm F2.8 ASPH.

Leica Camera has introduced next-generation models of three of its classic M lenses: the Leica M Summicron-M 35 mm F2 ASPH., Leica Summicron-M 28 mm F2 ASPH. and Leica Elmarit-M 28 mm F2.8 ASPH., each delivering enhanced image performance and quality, thanks to their new optical design.

Additional improvements to the lenses include a more robust construction, now featuring a full metal rectangular lens hood with thread mount, and a threaded protection ring for the front of the lens when the hood is not attached. The lens cap is now also made of metal.

As with all Leica products, this classic trio of reportage lenses offers both optical and technical excellence. Made in Germany, the combination of state-of-the-art technology, the highest quality materials and meticulous manual construction ensures consistent quality, resulting in reliable products with outstanding durability.

The new generation Summicron-M 28 mm F2 ASPH. and Elmarit-M 28 mm F2.8 ASPH. lenses are scheduled to be available from the end of January. The Summicron-M 35 mm F2 ASPH. is scheduled to be available from February in black and, for the first time, also in a silver anodised finish.

The impressive Summicron-M 35 mm F2 ASPH. fast, classic prime lens delivers superior image performance and a unique bokeh. Despite its high speed and exceptional image quality, its dimensions are astoundingly compact. Furthermore, with its eleven blade iris, this new generation lens creates a circular aperture, lending out of focus areas an extremely smooth look and feel. Images are pin-sharp with rich contrast, and almost completely free from distortion with superb bokeh at all apertures and distances – and even when shooting wide open.

High performance and speed are also distinct characteristics of the Summicron-M 28 mm F2 ASPH. wide-angle lens. Its outstanding speed makes it particularly versatile and produces brilliant imaging results, even in difficult lighting conditions. At its maximum aperture, the Summicron-M 28 mm F2 ASPH. delivers rich contrast, differentiated reproduction of even the finest structures, a soft and smooth bokeh, and extremely high resolution. Improvements within the optical design in this new generation lens have made it possible to achieve superior image performance across the entire image field. The significant reduction of image field curvature guarantees better resolution of details from corner to corner within every picture.

The Elmarit-M 28 mm F2.8 ASPH. is the most compact lens in the entire portfolio of Leica M lenses. Thanks to its small size and light weight, this lens is a particular favourite with street and reportage photographers. Compared to the previous model, this new generation lens offers significantly reduced image field curvature, which brings considerably improved image performance with high resolution and brilliant resolution of details. The Elmarit-M 28 mm F2.8 ASPH. is practically distortion-free from infinity to its closest focusing distance of 0.7 metres, and provides an exceptionally clear view through the Leica M viewfinder.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Manfrotto updates Digital Director app to add remote control of its LED light panels

15 Dec

Italian accessory manufacturer Manfrotto has released a new app for its Digital Director iPad cradle that allows users to wirelessly control Manfrotto Lykos and Litepanels Astra LED lights. The 2.0 app is capable of handling up to 13 panels via a Bluetooth connection, so brightness levels can be controlled from the camera position. The app can switch the lights on and off as well, and when the BiColor models are in use color temperature can be adjusted between daylight and tungsten settings. Lights can be controlled individually, or in groups, though some models will need a Bluetooth dongle to make them compatible with the system.

The update also brings zebra patterning to the live view display, showing when areas of the image to be captured will be over- or under-exposed, and focus peaking can now be customized with different colors and strengths. In review mode the app can now crop images, either freely or with set proportions, and pictures can be rated in the gallery with stars that are compatible with other desktop software programs.

For more information visit the Manfrotto website, and you can read our review of the Manfrotto Digital Director here.

Press release:

Manfrotto Announces New Digital Director App 2.0

Upper Saddle River, N.J. (December 10, 2015) – Manfrotto, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of premium photo, video and lighting support products and accessories, has launched the Digital Director App 2.0, the updated App for Manfrotto’s Digital Director, which brings new enhancements to professional and enthusiast photographers and videographers who wish to make shooting much smarter.

The Digital Director App 2.0, now available in the App Store on Apple iPads, includes new and improved features, in particular:

REMOTE CONTROL OF LIGHTS

The new Digital Director App 2.0 not only controls all Nikon and Canon DSLR key camera functions, but turns the iPad into an innovative interface, enabling total remote control of Manfrotto LYKOS and Litepanels ASTRA LED lights (up to 13 lights!) via Bluetooth®. Lights can be controlled remotely: you can turn lights on/off, adjust dimming level and color temperature, set up groups and configure multiple scenes directly from the iPad.

FOCUS PEAKING & ZEBRA FILTER

From the Digital Director App 2.0’s general settings, in the Digital Director Options, it’s possible to set up new features. The implemented Focus Peaking Filter presents new options: the possibility to adjust the intensity of the filter and to select the desired color for the peaking (red, blue, green, yellow). In addition, the new Zebra Filter helps to adjust exposure through striped patterns that indicate the overexposed and/or underexposed areas of the image.

INTUITIVE POST PRODUCTION IMAGE ADJUSTMENT

The new App 2.0 offers new tools for post production: cropping free or with proportion, blur and saturation. Together with the existing functions (rotate, contrast, light, checking histogram and EXIF information), it may also allow you to make final adjustments on the image in just a single touch of your finger on the iPad screen.

The App 2.0 integrates new and improved features such as control of new Manfrotto LYKOS LED lights and Litepanels ASTRA, new Focus Peaking settings, Zebra filter, new post-processing tools, gallery photo sorting and image rating that is included in the .jpeg file shared from Digital Director via FTP and email. With these upgrades, Digital Director can better help professional and enthusiast image makers make their shooting workflow more effective and intuitive.

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Manfrotto Digital Director is the only Apple certified (MFi – Made for iPad Certification) electronic device that connects your camera and iPad, via USB cable, to help manage the photo and video workflow from the setting of your camera (Canon and Nikon DSLR) to sharing your pictures. It features a built-in Apple microchip that works with the 600MHz 256MB DRAM ARM® Cortex®-A8 microprocessor, simultaneously, in order to ensure the perfect communication between the iPad and the camera. The result is perfect control of all shooting parameters of different DSLR cameras, a smooth and consistent video streaming between devices with extremely low latency time, and an ultra-fast, high-quality image download onto the iPad.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic updates five Lumix G lenses with Dual IS support

15 Dec

Panasonic has released firmware updates for five Lumix G lenses, adding support for the maker’s Dual IS technology. The feature was introduced in the Lumix DMC-GX8 camera; with this update, a total of eleven lenses are compatible with that model’s Dual IS system, including the Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 24mm F2.8 Macro and collapsible Lumix G Vario 12-32mm F3.5-5.6.

Panasonic’s Dual I.S system uses both the GX8’s body I.S and lens I.S together for improved image stabilization, ‘achieving a more powerful handshake correction,’ according to Panasonic. The new firmware is available for the following five lenses:

Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 Macro ASPH Mega OIS (H-ES045) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS (H-FS45150) Ver.1.1?Ver.1.2
Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS (H-FS12032) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 35-100mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS (H-FS35100) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1
Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS (H-HS043) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1

The updated firmware is available for download from Panasonic’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Phase One Capture One Pro 9 brings updates to image editing algorithms

02 Dec

Phase One has launched Capture One Pro 9, the latest iteration of its tethering and image editing software. Capture One Pro 9 offers a ‘completely updated contrast engine,’ additional brushes, color editor masks and new keyword tools, among other features. Phase One also now offers three activations of the software for each standard license a photographer purchases. Also on the list of updates is the ability to apply curves locally, the addition of a Luma option to the curve tool palette and a battery status icon for the tool bar to view tethered camera battery life.

Capture One Pro 9 is available now for Mac and Windows for $ 299 / €279 to new customers. Capture One Pro 7 and 8 customers can upgrade for $ 99 / €99. Anyone who purchased Capture One Pro 8 after October 30, 2015 will be exempt from the upgrade fee.

Press release:

Phase One Releases Capture One Pro 9 for Working Photographers

Unleashes Unprecedented Power, Precision and Quality

COPENHAGEN, November 30, 2015 — Phase One, creator of the world’s finest open-platform, high-end camera systems and professional imaging software today released Capture One Pro 9. Known for its outstanding tethered capture capability, high-quality raw conversion, and precision image editing tools, Capture One Pro is already considered by 100,000 of the world’s leading photographers to be the best image capture application.

Capture One Pro 9 introduces many new image quality precision tools, including a completely updated contrast engine. Capture One Pro 9 also brings powerful new asset management capabilities, including unprecedented sortable keywords capability. It has been designed to help speed the image-management process for volume keyword applications. Besides new physical workflow features, Capture One Pro 9 also gives customers three activations for each standard license to support on-location activation management, as requested by photographers.

NEW IMAGE EDITING TOOLS

Revised contrast engine – Changes have been made to the algorithms of color, saturation and contrast. And the color editor has been revised to align design with the color balance tool. Handles are made easier to use and adjust, and the tool is now scalable when undocked.

Masks from color editor – The color editor now allows the user to make a mask from a color edit.

New Brush pack – Tool changes include the addition of flow, airbrush, straight line brushing, and the ability to link brushes.

Luma curves and local curves – Added to the curve tool palette, Luma curves can be used to create contrast curves without affecting saturation. Also, curves can be used locally.

Battery status for toolbar – This new tool can be placed on the tool bar where it gives a power supply overview to the attached tethered camera, warning photographers of low power during a shoot.

Export EIP for catalogs – Catalog users can now benefit from EIP export for easy transportation of RAW and Settings, off system. In the Export originals panel, there is now an option to Export as EIP. Sessions users can also choose to Export originals. This creates a workflow in which the original RAW and adjustments are not packed – instead a copy is made, packed as EIP.

DNG colors – This new feature allows Capture One Pro to treat and display supported camera files that have been converted to DNG (and include the RAW file in the DNG package), as if in their original format.

NEW ASSET MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Keywords Tool – Keywords may be added and removed from images. The standard Capture One tool tips for local reset, local copy apply, pre-sets and help are available for this tool.

Keyword Libraries – Used to manage the list (or lists) of keywords in a catalog or a session. As the Keywords tool adds keywords to images, the document Keyword Library is populated. This forms a keyword list for any and all terms in the current document and is unique for the session or the catalog.

Sortable Keywords – Unique to Capture One Pro 9, users are able to reorder keywords in the Keywords tool for single image selections.

Originally developed to render the exceptional image quality captured by medium format Phase One camera systems, today Capture One Pro supports more than 400 different camera models. Capture One Pro is designed with more than enough available “headroom” to satisfy requirements for the highest resolution now and in the future. Whether or not photographers own a Phase One camera, all photographers can benefit from Capture One Pro’s exceptional image quality and workflow advantages.

“Capture One Pro is essential for all commercial shoots; we use nothing else,” said Jonathan Rose, Company Director, DigiBoutique Ltd.

“Capture One Pro 9 is all about quality of life improvements for working photographers – whether they’re in the studio, or shooting landscape or portraits,” said Henrik O. Håkonsson, President, Phase One. “And those who are switching or stepping up from mainstream software might now find that Capture One Pro meets more, if not all, of their needs, beyond its legendary raw conversion capabilities.”

For illustrative & tutorial videos and details on all the new and improved features in Capture One Pro 9, including new cameras and lenses supported, please go to: www.phaseone.com/tutorials

Availability and Pricing

Capture One Pro 9 is available now for the Mac and Windows operating systems online at www.phaseone.com/store and from Phase One authorized partners worldwide. www.phaseone.com/partners. New with this release, each license permits three activations.

New customers can purchase Capture One Pro 9 for 299 USD or 279 EUR. Owners of previous versions of Capture One Pro 7 and 8 may upgrade for 99 USD or 99 EUR. For customers who have purchased Capture One Pro 8 since October 30, 2015, Phase One is offering a grace period, exempting them from the upgrade fee. Eligible customers should contact support www.phaseone.com/support to have their keys upgraded.

Capture One Pro is also available by subscription. Capture One Pro 8 subscribers can simply download the new Capture One Pro 9 release. A single-user subscription is 15 USD / 12 EUR per month for a 12-month plan. Please see all subscription options at www.phaseone.com/store

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Nikon issues D750 and D4s firmware updates, optimizes D750 VR with compatible lenses

02 Dec

Nikon has released firmware updates for its D750 and D4S DSLRs, providing both with a new external recording control option for use with external recorders using Atomos Open Protocol. At the end of a list of bug fixes, Nikon also mentions that the D750’s firmware version 1.10 introduces ‘optimal vibration reduction’ with vibration reduction lenses. We’re hoping this addresses a glitch in which VR can sometimes contribute to image shake.

Other notes on the firmware updates for both cameras relate to bug fixes in movie live view, and the D750’s update addresses some minor problems with HDR mode and in-camera Raw processing among other things. See below for more details.

Download Nikon D750 firmware version 1.10

Download Nikon D4S firmware version 1.30

Nikon D750 firmware version 1.10

An External recording control option has been added to the HDMI item in the SETUP MENU. If the camera is connected via HDMI to a third-party recorder that supports the Atomos Open Protocol (the Atomos SHOGUN, NINJA2, or NINJA BLADE), selecting On allows camera controls to be used to start and stop recording. More information is available in a supplementary manual.
Note:Choose an option other than 576p (progressive) or 480p (progressive) for HDMI > Output resolution in the SETUP MENU.
Fixed the following issues:
– The brightness of the live view photography display would not change when a command dial was rotated to adjust exposure compensation with On (Auto reset) selected for b Metering/exposure > b3 Easy exposure compensation > Easy exposure compensation in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU.
– Although the preview button would stop the lens down to maximum aperture when assigned the Preview role, the maximum aperture indicator would not appear in the monitor.
– In rare cases, the shutter would not be released when the user attempted to take photographs in movie live view.
– About 4 seconds of static could be heard on audio recorded with external HDMI recorders during movie live view.
– The shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity displayed in the monitor during movie live view would differ from values in the final movie file.
– Part of the focus point would disappear if the user zoomed in while the framing grid was displayed.
– Volume could sometimes not be adjusted if movies were played with indicators hidden during full-frame playback (None (image only)).
– Exposure compensation would fail to produce the desired results if a negative value was selected when NEF (RAW) images were processed using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the RETOUCH MENU.
– Images would in rare cases fail to record correctly with HDR (high dynamic range) selected in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU.
– If On was selected for Exposure smoothing during interval timer photography, every frame after the first would be overexposed.
– File numbers were not assigned in the proper sequence.
– The focus point would not be displayed in the correct location in the monitor.
– In some languages, characters or parts of characters would be missing from the SETUP MENU > Location data > Position display.
– In some languages, characters or parts of characters would be missing from the SETUP MENU > AF fine-tune > List saved values display.
– In some regions, nothing would be displayed when Conformity marking was selected in the SETUP MENU.
Some help text has been changed.
Optimal vibration reduction is now available with vibration reduction lenses.

Nikon D4S firmware version 1.30

An External recording control option has been added to the HDMI item in the SETUP MENU. If the camera is connected via HDMI to a third-party recorder that supports the Atomos Open Protocol (the Atomos SHOGUN, NINJA2, or NINJA BLADE), selecting On allows camera controls to be used to start and stop recording. More information is available in a supplementary manual.

Note:

Choose an option other than 576p (progressive) or 480p (progressive) for HDMI > Output resolution in the SETUP MENU.
Choose an option other than Auto for HDMI > Output resolution in the SETUP MENU when 640x 424; 30p or 640x 424; 25p is selected for Movie settings > Frame size/frame rate in the SHOOTING MENU.
Fixed the following issues:
– In rare cases, the shutter would not be released when the user attempted to take photographs in movie live view.
– About 4 seconds of static could be heard on audio recorded with external HDMI recorders during movie live view.
– Exposure compensation would fail to produce the desired results if a negative value was selected when NEF (RAW) images were processed using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the RETOUCH MENU.
– Images would in rare cases fail to record correctly with HDR (high dynamic range) selected in the SHOOTING MENU.
– In portrait orientation, the monitor would not show the focus point in the correct location if 5:4 (30×24) was selected for Choose image area.

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360Photography

Posts Tagged ‘Updates’

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