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Nikon has updated its NEF Codec to version 1.31.0, bringing new support to Windows Photo Gallery, Live Photo Gallery, and Photo Viewer. After updating, all three applications are able to display the previews embedded within NEF images. The software can be downloaded now from Nikon’s website.
Via: NikonRumors
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Canon has released new firmware for the Mark II generation of its EOS 7D APS-C DSLR. Version 1.1.1 includes all the improvements and fixes of previous updates and in addition addresses the following issues:
Please note that if you are using a W-E1 Wi-Fi adapter the camera nickname will be reset to default when the new firmware is installed. You should therefore change the nickname before using the camera again. Firmware version 1.1.1 is now available for download from the Canon website.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Canon has released firmware version 1.1.3 for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR. The latest firmware version is a relatively small update, bringing a bug fix that corrects an issue displaying the drive mode icon, as well as improving USB communication reliability with a function in EOS Utility 3 and increasing the maximum ‘release cycles’ number displayed in the ‘Camera system information’ menu.
The latest firmware is available to download for macOS and Windows via Canon’s support website. The full change log is below.
Changes in the Firmware
Firmware Version 1.1.3 incorporates the following improvements to enhance functions.
The Version 1.1.3 firmware being released at this time is for cameras with Firmware Version 1.1.2 or earlier. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.1.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
When updating the firmware of your camera, please first go over the instructions thoroughly before you download the firmware. The firmware update takes approximately six minutes.
Note:
Via: Canon Rumors
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Following the beta announced last month, Serif has officially launched the finalized version of Affinity Photo for Windows. The new application follows in the footsteps of Affinity Photo for Mac and aims to offer photo editing capabilities similar to that of Photoshop, only at a lower $ 39.99 cost. In addition to the new Windows version, the Mac edition of Affinity Photo has received a substantial update to version 1.5.
Affinity Photo for Windows launches with the same features arriving in Affinity Photo for Mac version 1.5, ensuring the two applications match each other for better cross-platform support. In addition to the features found in older versions of Affinity Photo, both the Windows and Mac 1.5 editions offer, according to Serif:
Anyone who owns an older version of Affinity Photo for Mac can download the 1.5 update for free now. The Mac and Windows versions are both priced at $ 49.99 USD, though Serif has dropped the price to $ 39.99 / £29.99 / €39.99 until December 22.
Via: Serif
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Sony has released firmware version 3.30 for the Sony a7 II camera. The update is a very small one, improving the amount of light at the edge of images taken when using the flash.
The features and improvements added by the previous update, version 3.20, remain:
The Sony a7 II version 3.30 firmware can be downloaded now from Sony’s website.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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A limited edition version of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm F2 ASPH will be introduced next month that has a festive red anodized finish. The lens will be optically identical to the existing APO-Summicron-M 50mm F2 but will be produced in a run of only 100 units for the global market. Leica claims this lens is the sharpest standard lens in the world and that it can render high resolution detail from corner to corner even at the widest aperture setting, and that a floating element design allows that sharpness to be maintained at all focus distances.
The red version of the lens will available from 9th December and will cost $ 8950/£7575 – the current price of the standard black model is around $ 7800/£5600 while the silver version is closer to $ 8000/£6000. This is, according to Leica, the first time the company has produced a red lens.
For more information see the Leica Camera website.
Press release
Leica APO-SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. special limited edition in red anodised finish
Leica Camera has introduced the first ever special edition Leica lens in a red anodised finish. With just 100 units available globally, this exclusive Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. will be available from December 2016.
The world’s sharpest standard lens, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is considered to be the reference model amongst standard focal lengths, and is recognised for its exceptional imaging performance, incredibly sharp reproduction of fine details, and high contrast rendition from corner to corner of the image frame at maximum aperture. The use of a floating element in its design ensures that this is also maintained at close shooting distances.
A total of eight elements is employed to achieve the extraordinary optical performance of this lens. Three of the elements are made from glass with high anomalous partial dispersion for apochromatic correction, and two have a particularly high refractive index. Based on original developments from the former Leitz glass laboratory, the use of these specially formulated glass types requires exceptional effort and many years of experience. Thanks to the continuous advancements in optical technology, processes have been refined and perfected over time, resulting in consistently outstanding imaging quality.
As with all Leica lenses, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. was designed and developed by Leica optical specialists in Wetzlar and represents the perfect combination of optical and technical expertise. Offering unrivalled reliability and enduring value, the lens is engineered from the finest, high quality materials and meticulously assembled by hand. Coupled with the Leica ‘Made in Germany’ stamp of excellence, this blend of cutting-edge technology and precision manufacturing guarantees consistently outstanding quality.
Pricing and availability
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f.2 ASPH. in red anodised finish is scheduled to be available from 9 December 2016, at a suggested retail price of £7,575 including VAT.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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A gray edition of the entry-level Rebel T6 has appeared in Canon USA’s online store. The kit includes a gray strap and standard-issue black EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II lens, and the camera grip features a brown, leather-like finish. Like the black Rebel T6 the gray edition is listed at $ 550, but Canon is currently offering a $ 50 discount on the original kit that isn’t extended to the new version.
Read our Canon EOS Rebel T6 Review
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Leica has announced that it will release a new version of its Q (Typ 116) full-frame compact camera that will be finished in a gray paint instead of the usual black. The Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’ will be essentially the same camera as the black model, but its metal areas will be a light gray. The material body cover will be a dark gray. The company says that there are other ‘striking design features’ that make the camera different to the standard model, but all that’s evident is the distance scale markings on the lens are picked out in red paint, like the Rolf Sachs Summilux-M 35mm F1.4, instead of Leica’s usual yellow. The strap will also be made of a different material.
The ‘Titanium gray’ model will be available from the middle of November and will cost £3800. The black version usually sells for around £3200/$ 4250, but is rather short supply.
For more information see the Leica website.
Press Release
A perfect fusion of technology, design and style
Leica Camera has revealed the Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’, bringing a brand new, alternative design to its successful, high-performance compact camera, the Leica Q, which features a fixed fast prime lens and full-frame sensor.
In contrast to the discreet black of the body, lens and leather-style trim of the original Leica Q, this stunning new model offers a titanium grey paint finish on the top and base plate and back of the camera, combining the premium look of precious metal with classic black elements.
Elegant, yet extremely durable, the Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’ includes a series of striking design features not found on the standard model. For example, the distance scale in feet and the focal length on the lens are highlighted in red. Furthermore, the colour-coordinated carrying strap supplied with the camera has been manufactured from strong, robust material most commonly used to make climbing ropes.
Offering the same impressive performance and technical specifications of the black Leica Q model, the Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’ features intuitive handling and an exceptionally fast lens. The perfect camera for street, architectural and landscape photography, its Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens makes the Leica Q ideal for available light shooting and has an angle of view that reproduces scenes with natural perspectives and proportions.
With a 24 MP, full-frame CMOS sensor precisely matched to its lens, the Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’ delivers richly detailed exposures with low noise at optimum quality, at ISO sensitivities of up to 50,000. This outstanding camera allows the greatest possible creative freedom for even the most demanding photographic ambitions, enabling the photographer to switch effortlessly between macro, automatic and manual focusing.
Ensuring the decisive moment is never missed, the Leica Q full-frame compact camera has the fastest autofocus in its class and offers precision focusing almost in real-time. Furthermore, its Leica ultra-fast Maestro II image processor enables continuous shooting at up to ten frames per second at full resolution. Allowing reliable control of subject composition at this speed, the Leica Q also features an integrated viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 MP – displaying even the finest details without any perceptible lag, as soon as the camera is brought up to the user’s eye.
All functions of the camera are clearly laid out and logically placed, making it exceptionally ergonomic to use. The clear and logical menu provides rapid access to all essential functions and also enables photographers to programme their own personalised settings.
In addition, the Leica Q delivers movie recording in full-HD quality. Depending on the scene and subject, users can choose between 30 and 60 full frames per second for video recording in MP4 format. The camera also features an integrated Wi-Fi module for wireless transmission of still pictures and video to other devices, and remote control by WLAN from a smartphone or tablet.
The Leica Q app enabling these features can be downloaded free of charge from the Leica web site. As well as providing a remote release function and display of the viewfinder image, the app also allows the setting of parameters such as aperture and shutter speed from the device employed.
Full product specifications can be found at: uk.leica-camera.com.
Pricing and availability
The Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’ is scheduled to be available from mid-November 2016, at a suggested retail price of £3,800 including VAT.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Flash and accessory manufacturer Phottix has announced a new version of its Indra500 studio head that has a built-in TTL radio receiver for Canon’s RT flash system. The new head can be controlled directly from a Canon RT radio Speedlite in the hotshoe of a compatible camera or by using a Canon ST-E3 or Phottix Laso transmitter instead. The head can be used in flash networks alongside 600EX ll-RT and 430EX lll-RT radio-controlled Speedlites as well as non-RT flash guns that are fitted with a Laso receiver. The Laso receiver converts optically-triggered flashguns so that they can be controlled via 2.4GHz radio signals.
In all other ways the Indra500 LC TTL head is the same as Phottix’s standard Indra500 heads that offer TTL control with Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras via the Phottix Odin radio communication system. The heads have a maximum output of 500W/s and provide high speed sync options as well as manual output control across eight stops from 1/128th power. The heads take Bowens S-mount accessories and can be powered by the Phottix Indra 500mAh li-ion battery pack or via a mains adapter.
The company hasn’t announced a price for the Indra500LC TTL but the existing heads retail for $ 1419 including the battery, battery cable, a 5in reflector and a carry case.
For more information see the Phottix website.
Press release
Phottix presents the first studio light system compatible with Canon’s radio flash system. The Indra500 TTL, introduced in 2014, was the next generation of Phottix’s innovative TTL products – the Indra500LC takes that one step further – incorporating the radio control and triggering of the Canon RT and the Phottix Laso triggering systems. The Indra500LC gives photographers 500W/s of TTL power, opening up new possibilities and allowing photographers to shoot in shutter and aperture priority modes with incredible power.
High Speed Sync
With the Phottix Indra500LC TTL’s High Speed Sync function photographers can shoot at higher sync speeds* allowing wider apertures while still being able to control ambient light. In manual mode the Indra500LC offers 8 stops of power adjustments – from full power to 1/128 in 1/3rd stop increments. With Stroboscopic Mode, the Phottix Indra can be used for special effect and creative shooting with flash frequencies of 1-100HZ and flash counts of 1-100 times.
Built-in Triggering
The Phottix Indra500LC TTL has the power and control of the Canon RT and Phottix Laso triggering systems built-in. Switch between TTL and Manual modes, adjust EV and manual power levels and use high speed sync, all from the Canon ST-E3, compatible Canon RT Speedlites and the Phottix Laso Transmitter – no extra hardware is needed.
Canon non-RT Flashes
One of the best things of the Phottix Laso Triggering system is its ability to incorporate older non-radio Canon flashes into a photographer’s workflow. There’s no need to set aside older non-RT flashes such as the venerable 580 EXII – add a Phottix Laso Receiver and gain the ability to control and trigger it. Add legacy flashes, Canon RT-enabled flashes – and the Phottix Indra500 LC for a complete lighting solution.
“This the next logical step for the Indra series,” said Phottix CEO Steve Peer. “Canon users can now build on their current lighting system and retain the amazing functionality that system offers”
The Indra500LC comes with a Li-Ion battery, cables, charger, carrying bag and a new, smaller 5” reflector to make the Indra500 LC easier to pack and take on location.
*On compatible cameras.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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German camera manufacturer Leica has announced that it is to introduce a version of its premium f/2 standard lens for the M system finished in anodised silver. Until now the lens, which was first announced in 2012, has only been available in a black finish. Leica claims this manual focus 50mm is the best quality lens it produces for the M system, which perhaps goes some way to explaining its $ 7795/£5600 price tag.
The new silver version of the lens however will cost a little extra, at $ 7995/£5900.
The lens is classed in the company’s ‘fast and compact’ series, and uses eight elements in five groups including three APO elements and two that have what the company describes as a ‘high refractive index’. The lens weighs 10.58oz/300g and measures 1.85in/47mm in length and 2.09in/53mm in diameter.
The new silver APO-SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2 ASPH will be available at the end of the month. For more information visit the Leica website.
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Press release
Sharpest ever standard lens now available in silver anodised finish
Leica Camera has today announced that the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is now available in a silver anodised version. Thanks to its meticulous optical design, high quality materials, and sophisticated manufacturing and finishing process, this high-performance lens is considered to be the reference lens among standard focal lengths.
With its combination of exceptional sharpness and imaging performance that captures and resolves even the finest details, the APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. is characterised by extremely high contrast rendition from corner to corner of the image – at maximum aperture and throughout the aperture range. The use of a floating element in its design ensures that this is also maintained at close shooting distances.
Eight lens elements are employed to achieve this outstanding optical performance. Three of the lenses are made from glass types with anomalous partial dispersion or apochromatic correction, and two have a high refractive index. The specially-formulated glass employed is based on original developments from the former Leitz glass laboratory, and the use of this particular glass requires extensive effort and many years of experience. Thanks to continuous advancements in optical technology, processes have since been refined and perfected to achieve the best possible image quality.
As with all other Leica lenses, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. was designed and developed by Leica specialists in Wetzlar and represents the perfect combination of optical and technical expertise. Exceptionally reliable with enduring value, and with the ‘Made in Germany’ quality guarantee, the lens is manufactured from the finest materials and is meticulously assembled by hand. This combination of cutting-edge technology and precise manufacturing procedures ensures consistent excellence at all times.
Pricing and availability
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. (silver anodised) is scheduled to be available at the end of July 2016 at a suggested retail price of £5,900 including VAT.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)