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  • Meizu Pro 6 Plus features 12MP Sony sensor and LED ring flash

    Chinese smartphone maker Meizu has today unveiled the Pro 6 Plus, a high-end model with metal housing and large 5.7″ pressure-sensitive AMOLED screen with Quad-HD resolution. The Sony Exmor IMX386 sensor in the camera module has been deployed in some previous Meizu models but at 1/2.9″ and a pixel-pitch of 1.25µm it is a touch smaller than the 12MP Sony chips used in some of the other current high-end devices.

    The camera also features optical image stabilization, a lens with F2.0 aperture and laser-assisted autofocus. The front-facing camera is surrounded by 10 dual-tone LEDs forming a ring flash, and comes with a 5MP sensor and F2.0 lens.

    The Android OS is powered by the same Exynos 8890 chipset that can be found in the Samsung Galaxy S7 and 4GB of RAM. Buyers can choose between 64 and 128GB storage versions. The Pro 6 Plus also features a fingerprint reader that doubles as a heart-rate monitor and a dedicated audio chip. Power is supplied by a 3,400mAh battery that is charged via a USB Type-C port with fast charging. 

    The new model will be available in Champagne Gold, Deep Ash and Moonlight Silver. The 64GB version will set you back approximately $ 435 while the 128GB requires an investment of $ 480. No detail on availability outside China has been provided yet. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • GoPro ‘restructuring’ effort will layoff 200 full-time employees

    GoPro has announced plans to restructure the company, saying it will layoff 200 full-time workers, close its entertainment division, reduce its facilities, and cancel open positions. By doing these things, GoPro will reduce its workforce by 15% and will, it anticipates, reduce its non-GAAP operating expenses next year.

    GoPro announced the news today as part of its quarterly earnings report. According to the company, GoPro camera sales in the U.S. were up more than 35% this past Black Friday in comparison to the same time period last year. However, its turbulent financial state over the past year has spurred the company to make some big changes.

    In addition to shedding 15% of its workforce, GoPro President Tony Bates will step down from his position at the end of 2016. GoPro didn’t provide a reason for his departure. Assuming all goes as planned, GoPro expects to reach non-GAAP profitability next year, with its full 2017 non-GAAP operating expenses dropping to about $ 650 million.

    Press release

    Solid Holiday Demand In The U.S. For GoPro HERO5

    Nov 30, 2016

    Week of Black Friday Camera Unit Sales Up 35% YoY in U.S.
    Company Restructuring to Reduce Operating Expenses and Improve Efficiency

    SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — GoPro Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) today announced solid holiday quarter sell-thru in the U.S. for its new HERO5 cameras.

    Based on internal data, GoPro’s week of Black Friday camera unit sales were up more than 35% year-over-year at leading U.S. retailers. Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday sales of camera units at GoPro.com were up approximately 33% year-over-year. According to the NPD Group, since the launch on October 2, HERO5 Black has been the best-selling Digital Imaging device in the United States.

    HERO5 cameras are available at major US retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart.

    “We have a lot of work to do to finish the quarter and our fiscal year, however our HERO5 cameras have been very well-received by critics and consumers alike,” said Nicholas Woodman, Founder & CEO of GoPro. “Both HERO5 cameras can now auto-offload new content to the cloud and our Quik mobile app makes accessing and editing your footage fun. Its clear consumers are excited about these new features.”

    GoPro also announced a company-wide restructuring that will reduce full-year 2017 non-GAAP operating expenses to approximately $ 650 million (GAAP: $ 735 million) and achieve its goal of returning to non-GAAP profitability in 2017. The restructuring includes the closure of its entertainment division, facilities reductions, and the elimination of more than 200 full-time positions plus the cancelation of open positions for a reduction in force of approximately 15 percent.

    Additionally, Tony Bates will depart his position as president of the Company at the end of the year. “My time at GoPro has been an incredible experience,” said Tony Bates. “In the past three years, GoPro has seen enormous progress in camera technology, software and international growth. Today GoPro has a solid leadership team deeply focused on its core business and profitability.”

    GoPro estimates that it will incur total aggregate charges of approximately $ 24 million to $ 33 million for the restructuring, including approximately $ 13 million to $ 18 million of cash expenditures as a result of the workforce restructuring, substantially all of which are severance costs, and approximately $ 11 million to $ 15 million of non-cash expenditures, consisting primarily of stock-based compensation expense and accelerated depreciation associated with office consolidations. The company expects to recognize most of the restructuring charges in Q4 2016.

    “Consumer demand for GoPro is solid and we’ve sharply narrowed our focus to concentrate on our core business,” said Nicholas Woodman. “We are headed into 2017 with a powerful global brand, our best ever products, and a clear roadmap for restored growth and profitability in 2017.”

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Earliest known Nikon camera fetches over $400,000 in Austrian auction

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    A Nikon 1 camera sold at auction in Austria this month has become the most expensive Nikon ever, achieving a sale price of €384,000 (approx $ 406,000) – double the expected maximum estimate. The camera, which is said to be only the third Nikon body ever made, is the earliest known surviving Nikon camera having been made in occupied Japan in April 1948. It was matched with the 11th 5cm F2 Nikkor H lens ever made.

    Originally this rangefinder camera was known simply as the Nikon, but in later years it took on the name Nikon 1 as additional cameras, such as the M and S, were produced. Only available in Japan at first, Nikon came to the attention of the rest of the world when Life photographer David Douglas Duncan came across Nikkor lenses while covering the Korean war and spread the word among other press photographers.

    The Nikon 1 camera is similar in design to the German Contax but used a 24x32mm film frame. This ultimately meant that it wasn’t taken up beyond Japan, and America wouldn’t allow the company to export to US because the film frames didn’t fit Kodak slide mounts. As a consequence the Nikon M was introduced in late 1949, which created standard 24x36mm frames. Japan finally got its way though, as many of us now use Micro Four Thirds and 6×4.5cm sensors with the same 3:4 ratio as that original 24x32mm film frame.

    E. Leitz New York Leica Gun RITEL *

    Second version of the famous RIFLE for the 40cm Telyt in 100% original, very fine and perfect working condition. Special viewfinder engraved ‘E.LEITZ INC. NEW-YORK PATENT PENDING’, modified PLOOT mirror housing no. 2486, special extended bottom plate, special leather belt, modified Leica IIIa no.235568, Telyt 5/40cm no.492069 with hood and cap, complete with extremely rare carrying case NUFIR. This is the only set in this combination we know to exist !

    Leica M3 black paint ‘Herbert List’

    Extremely rare and fully original double-stroke black paint M3 with black film counter and all early features of these un-official pre-series black cameras, the camera was delivered on March 15th, 1958 to Tiranty, Paris (code “Igemo” for black paint M3), with rigid Summicron 5cm no.1510883 (IROOA hood) – only about 90 of these pre-series cameras were produced, much less are known to exist. Camera and lens were owned and used for many years by the famous German photographer Herbert List (1903 – 1975) who worked for magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Life, and was associated with Magnum Photos.

    The sale took place at the WestLicht Photographica auction along with a collection of 685 other lots of cameras, lenses, accessories and prints, including two Leitz New York Leica Gun rifles which sold for €168,000 each and a Leica M3 in black paint that belonged to Magnum photographer Herbert List – which reached €78,000.

    For more information on the Nikon 1 auction and the other items visit the WestLicht

    Auction notes

    Nikon One

    The earliest known surviving production Nikon in the world! Nikon started in March 1948 to assemble cameras (with serial number 60922). The offered camera is one of two cameras made in April 1948 and the 3rd of all Nikon production cameras. It comes with the original early Nikkor-H 2/5cm no.70811 (this is the 11th lens made, with matching Nikon cap) and is still in fantastic original condition. As all very early cameras it has the “8” screw front plate and sharp corner edges on top plate. The camera has still the original shutter. The interior shows the single pair of guide rails, with removable take-up spool. The baseplate with large ‘MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN’ engraving. It comes with the original and extremely rare double strap everready case. Published in: ‘The Complete Nikon rangefinder System’ by Robert R. Rotoloni (ps 51-59), ‘Nikon 100 Anniversary’ by Uli Koch (p 68) – provenience: collection of the famous Japanese collector Tad Sato.
    World records at WestLicht Anniversary Auctions

    Post sale report

    384,000 Euro for the earliest Nikon camera

    A Nikon One climbed from 90,000 to 384,000 Euro, the highest price ever paid for a camera from the long-standing Japanese manufacturer at an auction. The world record was achieved at the 30th Camera Auction in WestLicht’s 15th year. The record lot is the earliest known surviving example of a Nikon camera in the world, manufactured in April 1948 as the third ever serially produced camera by Nikon. This was also an early birthday present for Nikon company, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2017.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Occupy Urban Spaces: 10 Guerrilla Modifications to City Infrastructure

    [ By SA Rogers in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

    screen-shot-2016-11-29-at-7-17-51-pm

    Nobody knows the needs of a city better than the residents who navigate it each day, so who better to edit, adapt and upgrade urban spaces to make them cooler and more useful? Urban ‘hacktivism’ takes underutilized architecture and infrastructure, from street signs to empty subway stations, and subverts it for a new purpose. Whether installed guerrilla-style or with the blessing of city officials, these projects make the city a more fun and comfortable place to hang out.

    Arche de la Defense Occupation by Parasitic Guerrilla Architecture

    arche-de-la-defense-occupation

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    arche-de-la-defense-occupation-3

    What if citizens took the lack of affordable and accessible housing in cities into their own hands, and simply created their own residences wherever they saw fit? ‘Pocket of Active Resistance’ envisions how this would manifest in Paris, as guerrilla housing takes over monuments like the Arche de la Defense. Architect Stéphane Malka presents a modular housing system stuck right into the interior walls of la Defense, connected by scaffolding and catwalks.

    Alleyway Squat Housing by WEAK!

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    screen-shot-2016-11-29-at-7-15-16-pm

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    The firm ‘WEAK!’ encourages the organic growth of illegal structures on all sorts of city surfaces, including rooftops, disused fields and abandoned skyscrapers, reflecting “the citizen’s right to express himself through architecture.” Among the projects they’ve brought to life throughout Taiwan is this elevated alleyway dwelling made primarily of scaffolding, which creates a new two-level residence while leaving room on the ground for pedestrians to pass through.

    Parasite 2.0 Colony in Venice

    screen-shot-2016-11-29-at-7-17-51-pm

    screen-shot-2016-11-29-at-7-18-00-pm

    Young Italian collective Parasite 2.0 took over a series of disused spaces throughout Italy as part of a 2013 urban occupation project, including the fort of the Sant’Andrea island in the Venetian lagoon. Stretching polyethylene through the frame of an abandoned building like a web, they created an amorphous series of rooms with built-in hammocks.

    Cascade Project by Edge Design Institute

    cascade-project-2

    cascade-project-1

    A staircase in Hong Kong that took up lots of space yet saw very little foot traffic temporarily became the setting for a vibrant geometric mesh sculpture with built-in seating and planters, creating a miniature park right in the middle of The Centrium. ‘The Cascade Project’ by Edge Design Institute features a living canopy of Bauhinia trees and other plants, giving the staircase an alternate and ultimately more useful purpose.

    Art & Culture Center Beneath a Railway in Japan

    railway-center-2

    railway-center

    While this project was completed with the blessing of the city of Yokohama, it’s a pretty cool example of how underutilized urban spaces can be taken over and transformed for the benefit of all residents. Situated on a once-obsolete and uneasily quiet street, right beneath a railway track, the new arts center includes a gallery, cafe and studio.

    Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
    Occupy Urban Spaces 10 Guerrilla Modifications To City Infrastructure

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    [ By SA Rogers in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

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  • YOU Get a Photo Book, and YOU Get a Photo Book, and YOU get the Idea …

    We’re so excited that our photo printing baby is having a birthday, that we got YOU a gift.

    We just added a 5.5” square Photo Book to the Parabo Press app. It’s perfect for printin’ ‘grams, and makes a great one-of-a-kind gift, AND we want you to have one.

    Pick your 32 best shots to fill its premium matte pages, use the code PARTY at checkout and only pay shipping.

    (…)
    Read the rest of YOU Get a Photo Book, and YOU Get a Photo Book, and YOU get the Idea … (12 words)


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  • Venus Laowa 12mm F2.8 Zero-D sample gallery

    Chinese optics company Venus caused a stir when it announced a 12mm F2.8 lens with claims of almost zero rectilinear distortion. The lens is comparably small in its super wide-angle class, and its claims of little barrel distortion are pretty tantalizing. Senior DPR contributor Damien Demolder spent some time getting to know it – check out his images below.

    See our Venus Laowa 12mm F2.8
    sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Canon releases new firmware for EOS 5D IV to correct varying flash color

    Canon has introduced an update for its EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR that corrects a color issue when using flash, and improves the camera’s performance when the company’s new tele-converters are in use.

    Firmware version 1.0.3 fixes an issue that created different color temperatures in flash output according to the metering mode in use at the time, and makes communication between camera and lens more reliable with the EF1.4x III and EF2x III tele-converters. The company says an additional fix corrects the way the level gauge is displayed when the camera is held in portrait orientation with the grip below the lens.

    For more information visit the Canon website.

    Manufacturer’s release notes

    Changes in the Firmware

    Firmware Version 1.0.3 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:

    1. Corrects a phenomenon in which the color of images varies depending on the metering mode selected during flash shooting.

    2. Improves the reliability of communication when using the EF1.4X III or EF2X III extender.

    3. Corrects the level display when the camera is held in the vertical orientation with the hand grip pointing downward.

    4. Improves the reliability of communication via USB cable when using the Lens Data Registration function with EOS Utility 3.

    Firmware Version 1.0.3 is for cameras with firmware Version 1.0.2 or earlier. If your camera’s firmware is already Version 1.0.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
    When updating the firmware of your camera, please review the instructions thoroughly before you update the firmware.

    The firmware update takes approximately 4 minutes.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • 7 Smart Lighting Setups for Portraits Taken at Home

    Let’s get one thing clear – you’re not going to learn how to shoot perfect portraits overnight. There are many things you need to learn first. When it comes to portrait-shooting, no factor is more important than lighting. Even if you’re planning a home portrait session, you can still make the most from various lighting setups to achieve great results. Continue Reading

    The post 7 Smart Lighting Setups for Portraits Taken at Home appeared first on Photodoto.


    Photodoto

  • PogoCam is the world’s smallest wearable camera

    The PogoCam is tiny personal camera that attaches magnetically to eyewear with a proprietary track called PogoTrack. At 10.9 x 12.5 x 42.8 millimeters, according to its makers it is the currently smallest wearable camera. A proprietary electronic architecture allows for high levels of miniaturization and low power requirements while maintaining comparable image quality, storage capacity and performance to competing products.

    The camera comes with a 5 MP sensor and can capture and store 100 still images or up to two minutes of 720p HD video at 30 frames per second before you have to download data to a mobile device, using a cable or Bluetooth connection, and charge the battery. The makers of the device claim that image quality is comparable to a smartphone. However, looking at the PogoCam’s specification this would most likely be a low-end smartphone.  

    The camera is water-resistant and recharges in approximately 30 minutes. While attached to the spectacle frames it can be moved backwards towards the wearer’s ears when not in use. It can also be removed quickly to store in a pocket. The PogoCam will retail from $ 129 after its official launch on March 30, 2017 and come with a free pair of non-prescription sunglasses with PogoTrack for initial buyers on the PogoTec website. It seems the PogoCam’s main advantage over the recently announced Snapchat Spectacles is its ability to work with a variety of eyewear frames. That said, we’ll have to wait and see how many frames with the PogoTrack feature consumers will be able to choose from.  

    Press Release: 

    Personal Photography Redefined With Introduction Of PogoCam

    Combining Fashionable Eyewear with World’s Smallest Attachable Camera

    ROANOKE, Va., Nov. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — PogoTec today announced the invention of PogoCam™, the world’s smallest wearable camera that attaches to fashionable eyewear. Unlike that of Snap Spectacles which has its camera integrated into one style of eyewear, PogoCam, is easily attachable and detachable to a wide variety of frame styles.

    “We are experiencing a turning point that will make hand-held photography cumbersome and obsolete,” said Ron Blum, Founder, President and CEO of PogoTec. “Our eyewear solution goes beyond the capabilities of Snap’s Spectacle product with a more advanced camera that takes still images as well as HD video, attaches easily to many frame styles with or without prescription lenses and matches the fashion style of the user. It’s a tiny, easy-to-use camera designed for everyone. It removes the user from the confines of a viewfinder, allowing people to enjoy and pay attention to the event while capturing it. The user can easily share their images or video with friends and family.”

    PogoCam utilizes a proprietary new electronic architecture that allows the highest level of miniaturization with lower power requirements than competitive cameras for the same level of high image resolution, memory capacity and performance. Multiple patent applications have been filed. PogoCam was designed for the mass market at large – those who require prescription eyeglasses and those who do not require prescription eyeglasses. PogoCam’s extremely small size allows it to be worn without distracting from the fashion look of eyewear. Weighing less than two dimes and measuring only 10.9 x 12.5 x 42.8 millimeters, PogoCam attaches magnetically to eyewear having a proprietary track called PogoTrack™. PogoCam allows a user to capture a number of images taken by a typical user during the course of a day. PogoCam allows people to “look and shoot” up to 100 photographs or two minutes of continuous HD video with audio (or 12 ten second clips). When in use, the camera displays a visible courtesy light that blinks allowing those being photographed to know. When not in use or if in an environment where photography is discouraged, it can be slid back on the track or easily removed. PogoCam’s accompanying patent pending mobile app includes auto centering, auto alignment and image rotation – eliminating the need for a camera viewfinder by automating certain post processing adjustments normally required for manual cameras. The image quality is comparable to that of one’s smartphone.

    Eyewear with PogoTrack is designed to serve as a universal platform for a wide range of future electronic wearable devices over and beyond the PogoCam camera. Additional potential compatible wearables would, by example only, include an alertness monitor to prevent drivers from falling asleep and a UV meter to prevent sunburn by alerting users when exposed to damaging rays.

    PogoTec will be demonstrating and showcasing PogoCam, along with its eyewear partners and a large number of compatible frame styles for prescription eyewear and non-prescription sunglasses, at the ShowStoppers media event in Las Vegas during the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show on Thursday, January 5.

    “This is the first practical, high-quality wearable camera for the mass market capable of being worn socially that allows people to experience the moment and at the same time take photos or video with audio,” added Blum. “This is all accomplished while wearing eyewear in the fashion style of their choosing. Just “look and shoot”, the camera and app do the rest of the work for you. Further, our proprietary architecture ensures that PogoCam will remain the smallest wearable camera when comparing image quality, memory, power requirements and performance.”

    “Eyeglasses are arguably the world’s oldest, most successful wearable technology,” added Richard Clompus, OD, FAAO, who is VP of Communication and Consumer Interaction for PogoTec. “PogoCam upgrades this wearable platform with the ability to capture visual memories without the intrusion of holding a camera or looking through a view screen. We look forward to introducing additional capabilities and enhancing the value of PogoTrack as a platform for wearable technology.”

    In addition to the current offering, PogoTec is exploring options to adapt PogoCam for use in such industries as construction, public safety, industrial, security and medical applications.

    About PogoCam
    PogoCam was designed for the mass market and is easy to use. It comes equipped with a five megapixel sensor providing quality photos or video comparable to a smartphone. PogoCam is capable of capturing in excess of what a typical user would take per day. PogoCam can capture and store 100 still photographs or up to two minutes of 720p HD video at 30 frames/second with full audio (12 10-second clips) before having to be downloaded and charged. The camera is activated by pressing a single button and images are uploaded to a mobile device. PogoCam’s camera function is focus free with auto- white balance making it easy for the user to capture high quality images and video. Depending upon the accessory case, the images can be downloaded with a wired connection or with Bluetooth to a smartphone. The camera is resistant to water and perspiration and recharges in approximately 30 minutes. PogoCam is designed to attach magnetically to frames having PogoTrack technology. While attached, PogoCam can be moved along the length of the track – allowing the user to bring it forward only when in use. The camera can be attached and removed easily with one hand without removing the frames, allowing it to be stored in a pocket or purse when not recording images.

    Distribution
    PogoCam and PogoTrack plans to be available at thousands of consumer locations in 2017, including eye care offices and optical shops in the U.S. PogoCam and well-known branded non-prescription sunglasses with PogoTrack will be bundled for sale on the PogoCam ecommerce site, www.PogoCam.com and www.Amazon.com. Prescription eyewear with PogoTrack also plans to be available from optical shops and eye care offices in 2017. PogoTec’s channel partners for optical shops, eye care offices, mass market and specialty retail will be announced at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in January 2017. Additional channel partners are being added for 2018 and beyond.

    Pricing and Availability
    PogoCam will retail for $ 129.00 and up depending upon the model purchased. PogoCam will be officially launched on March 30, 2017at the International Vision Expo East Conference in NYC. When purchasing a PogoCam on PogoTec’s ecommerce site, PogoCam.com, initial customers purchasing PogoCam will receive a free pair of branded non-prescription sunglasses with PogoTrack.

    About PogoTec
    PogoTec™, Inc is a privately owned company incorporated in Delaware. Its core initiative is to enable electronic wearable devices with a special focus on eyewear. PogoTec’s product offerings consist of; PogoTrack: a proprietary attachment means for attaching electronic wearable devices to eyewear while maintaining the fashion look of eyewear and PogoCam: the world’s smallest look and shoot camera attachable to eyewear. PogoTec’s management team and Board of Directors have extensive experience in creating and commercializing innovation. PogoTec has been extremely diligent in protecting its intellectual property and has numerous patent applications filed around the world. For more information about PogoTec, please visit www.PogoTec.com.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Hidden Addition: Stealth NYC Penthouse is Invisible from Streets Below

    [ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Houses & Residential. ]

    stealth-roof

    Unseen above the restored cast-iron facade of this 1857 residential structure in Tribeca, a stunning modern loft extends the building’s livable space, its form responding directly to lines of sight.

    roofline-view

    view-from-below

    Designed by WORKac and known as the Stealth Building, the addition had to work with the existing facade — to preserve its appearance, rendering it invisible became the obvious approach.

    hidden-addition-from-above

    roofline-view

    roofline-calculation

    In order to accomplish this clever act of concealment, all angles of view and shadows cast had to be accounted for. In turn, these informed the shape of the angular extension. Tracing lines of visibility across facade features of adjacent buildings, the designers derived a roof line that would work with the project goals.

    interior-kitchen-space

    roofline-interior

    All of this naturally shaped the interior spaces as well, creating dramatic diagonal lines that carry through the various rooms.

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    roof-hot-top-deck

    The fifth-floor pop-up features sleeping quarters, entertaining and dining spaces, as well as a secluded terrace tucked behind the pediment to provide privacy for residents. The former elevator bulkhead has been converted to contain a hut tub servicing the deck as well.

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    [ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Houses & Residential. ]

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