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  • Lume Cube returns to Kickstarter with the Life Lite mini LED cube

    Lume Cube launched the first generation of its high-powered LED-lighting cube for smartphones and action cameras back in 2014. Now, the company has returned to Kickstarter to raise funding for its follow-up product Life Lite. Compared to the original Lume Cube the Life Lite is about half the size and weight but, at 1000 lumens, still offers approximately 70% of the Lume Cube’s light output. 

    As before, you can control one Life Lite, or several units, via a smartphone app and a Bluetooth connection. The Life Lite is waterproof down to 10m/33ft, making it suitable for filming surfing and other water-based activities. There are multiple levels of strobe mode for creative lighting effects, a physical multifunction button and a custom fresnel lens. The emitted light has a color temperature of 5600K and the light is charged via a microUSB connector. A full charge gives you approximately 30 minute of illumination. 

    The Life Lite also comes with an internal magnet and a standard tripod mount, allowing for attachment to a wide range of metallic objects and camera support systems. You can secure a Life Lite now by pledging $ 39 on the project’s Kickstarter page. Shipping is planned for March 2017. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • LaCie unveils Thunderbolt 3 desktop storage devices

    LaCie has launched three new Thunderbolt 3 desktop storage devices, the 12big, 6big and Bolt3. All three devices are, according to LaCie, the fastest desktop storage solutions currently on the market, making them suitable for storing and editing 4K and 6K video content, among other things. The Bolt3 offers 2TB of storage, the 6big offers up to 60TB, and the 12big offers up to 120TB.

    The Bolt is the smallest of the three products, offering speeds up to 2800MB/s. According to LaCie, this model can handle raw video from a Blackmagic or RED camera, and can be used to transcode up to 6K footage using Adobe Premiere Pro or something similar. It only takes about 5 minutes to transfer a terabyte of 4K ProRes 4444 XQ video from the Bolt3 to the 12big.

    The LaCie 6big offers speeds up to 1400MB/s and the 12big has speeds up to 2600MB/s. These models can be used to edit uncompressed 10-bit and 12-bit HD videos or multiple streams of ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 4444XQ footage. The company also says raw photos can be accessed and edited in Lightroom without lag. A custom Pelican Storm case will be available for these two models.

    The storage devices will be available this quarter starting at the following prices:

    • LaCie Bolt3: $ 1,999
    • LaCie 6big: $ 3,199
    • LaCie 12big: $ 6,399
    • Pelican Case: $ 349

    Press release:

    LaCie Announces World’s Fastest Desktop Storage and Complete Thunderbolt 3 Portfolio for Creative Professionals

    CUPERTINO, CALIF. – Today, LaCie, the premium brand from Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), announced its Thunderbolt™ 3 portfolio of storage solutions aimed at helping video professionals excel with ultra high-resolution footage. First, the LaCie® Bolt3 combines Thunderbolt 3 speed with the latest M.2 PCIe SSDs to create the world’s fastest desktop drive. In addition, the LaCie 12big Thunderbolt 3 and 6big Thunderbolt 3 are ready to handle massive amounts of content thanks to fast transfer speeds, RAID 5/6 security and enterprise-class drives. These storage solutions, design by Neil Poulton, are ideal companions to the all-new MacBook Pro.

    For the Bolt3, LaCie harnessed the breakthrough performance potential of Thunderbolt 3 and paired it with two M.2 PCIe SSDs striped into a 2TB volume. Bolt3 delivers record speeds of up to 2800MB/s and cuts valuable time off of post-production workflows, such as ingesting RAW footage from RED® or Blackmagic® cinema cameras or transcoding 4/5/6K footage using Adobe® Premiere® Pro or DaVinci Resolve. What’s more, videographers can transfer a terabyte of 4K ProRes 4444 XQ footage from the LaCie Bolt3 to RAID storage—such as the LaCie 12big Thunderbolt 3—in only 5 minutes and 11 seconds*.

    The LaCie Bolt3 is engineered for long term reliability—from the enclosure to the internal components—to endure intensive storage tasks. Each product is individually Computer Numerical Control machined from solid aluminum blocks for rigid durability and heat dissipation. Effective cooling helps to ensure long-term component health. The stand securely docks the product with powerful neodymium magnets—and detaches for easy transport.

    With up to 120TB of massive capacity, the breakthrough performance of Thunderbolt 3 and RAID 5/6, the LaCie 12big, and the new LaCie 6big help video professionals meet the data demands of 4/5/6K cameras. Both feature Seagate enterprise-class drives with 256MB cache and 7200RPM for superb accessibility, reliability and robust performance.

    “From ultra high-resolution cameras to virtual reality to drones, the new experiences that content creators can bring to life are truly exciting,” said Tim Bucher, Senior Vice President of Seagate and LaCie Branded Solutions. “Creating these experiences generates unprecedented amounts of data while requiring extreme performance, and today we’re thrilled to help our customers by offering best-in-class storage solutions that excel in even the most demanding video workflows.”

    Thunderbolt 3 speeds of up to 2600MB/s for LaCie 12big and 1400MB/s for LaCie 6big slash time off nearly every post-production workflow task. Users can then edit multiple streams of ProRes 422 (HQ), ProRes 4444 XQ, as well as uncompressed HD 10-bit and 12-bit video. What’s more, photographers can transfer RAW photos quickly and edit in Adobe Lightroom without lag. Plus, with up to 120TB of capacity, the LaCie 12big can store 100 hours of 4K ProRes 4444 XQ footage in RAID 5*.

    With double the video bandwidth of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 3 lets a user daisy chain dual 4K displays or a single 5K display to the LaCie 12big or LaCie 6big. With two 4K displays, users can spread out their workspace by dedicating one display to the timeline and the other to previewing 4K footage, for example. It’s even possible to power a compatible laptop through the USB-C cable**. Additionally, the user can connect to USB 3.0 computers via the included USB-C to USB-A cable.

    The LaCie 12big and LaCie 6big are engineered to handle demanding video workflows. Front-accessible drives offer convenient and quick drive replacement and front-facing drive status LEDs help the user keep track of drive health and RAID build status. The aluminum enclosure dissipates heat far better than plastic, while two thermoregulated fans pull heat away from internal components. Both the LaCie 12big and LaCie 6big are protected by a five-year limited warranty that covers drives, enclosure and spare parts.

    LaCie has also partnered with Pelican Products to offer custom cases to safely transport the LaCie 12big or 6big to and from set. The Pelican™ Storm Case™ is an injection-molded case made of HPX® high-performance resin that is virtually unbreakable and resistant to dents and shatter. The custom, durable foam configuration houses a LaCie 12big or 6big, multiple LaCie Rugged® drives and accessories such as cords or a power supply. The cases are lightweight, airtight, watertight and backed by Pelican’s lifetime warranty***.

    AVAILABILITY
    The LaCie Bolt3 will come in a 2TB SSD capacity for $ 1999.00. The LaCie 6big will come in 24TB, 36TB, 48TB and 60TB capacities starting at $ 3199.00. The LaCie 12big will come in 48TB, 72TB, 96TB and 120TB capacities starting at $ 6399.00. The custom Pelican Storm cases start at $ 349.00. All LaCie Thunderbolt 3 solutions and the custom Pelican Storm cases will be available at LaCie resellers this quarter.

    * Based on 764GB per hour of 4K GoPro footage (source) and 764GB per hour of 4K ProRes 4444 XQ footage (source). Quantitative usage examples for various applications are for illustrative purposes.
    ** Delivers up to 15W to power compatible laptops.
    *** See pelican.com/warranty for full details.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • G-Technology introduces its first SSD portable stand-alone drive

    Storage company G-Technology has announced a new stand-alone SSD storage device that it claims can manage transfer speeds of up to 540MB per second. The G-Drive slim SSD uses a USB 3.1 interface and requires no external power source to run. Designed to be used with Mac computers the 500GB and 1TB drives, which come finished in silver or ‘space gray’, can be formatted for PC using the company’s Windows Format Wizard software. The drives come with a ‘high-quality’ USB Type-C to Type-C cable as well as a Type-C to Type-A cable.

    The drives are set to retail for $ 229.95 and $ 379.95, and are available now – with the space gray option an Apple Store exclusive.

    For more information see the G-Technology website.

    Press Release

    G-TECHNOLOGY G-DRIVE LINEUP OF PORTABLE SOLUTIONS EXPANDED WITH SOLID STATE TECHNOLOGY AND FAST USB-C™ CONNECTIVITY

    G-Technology®, a trusted premium storage brand by Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC), today announced the expansion of its G-DRIVE portfolio, with its first solid state portable drive, the G-DRIVE slim SSD USB-C. The new drive brings faster interface speeds with USB-C connectivity and expanded external storage for next-generation computers such as MacBook and the all-new MacBook Pro, perfect for consumers and creative professionals across the world.

    Available in 1TB and 500GB capacities, the G-DRIVE slim SSD USB-C delivers super-fast solid state drive performance of up to 540MB/s. It features the speedy 10Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface, taking full advantage of the SSD performance. The included high-quality Type-C to Type-C cable and Type-C to Type-A cable, allows this drive to operate with any computer featuring Thunderbolt 3, USB-C or USB 3.0* ports. Requiring no external power source, the G-DRIVE slim SSD USB-C will ensure that high-quality videos, photos and music will be readily available whether traveling in the field, back at home or in the office.

    “G-Technology continues to embrace advanced technologies in its line of products, and is excited to announce its fastest portable consumer storage solution to date,” said Mike Williams, vice president, advanced technologies/G-Technology, Content Solutions Group, Western Digital. “The G-DRIVE slim SSD USB-C embodies our commitment to delivering products that offer exceptional performance, style, and reliability, while combining SSD technology with the latest USB-C interface ensures users will have the latest technology and performance at their fingertips.”

    Plug-and-play for Mac®, this sleek drive is available in space gray and silver, making it a perfect companion for a MacBook or MacBook Pro. The MSRP for the 500GB capacity is $ 229.95 and the 1TB is $ 379.95*. The product is available for purchase today at G-Technology resellers with the space gray model available exclusively at Apple Stores in early November.

    G-Technology also announced today a new rose gold color for its G-DRIVE mobile USB-C line up, adding to its portfolio that also includes space gray and gold. Featuring a fast 1TB 7200RPM hard drive for transfer speeds of up to 136MB/s, the G-DRIVE mobile USB-C is compatible with any Thunderbolt 3, USB-C or USB 3.0 system**. The G-DRIVE mobile USB-C, is available in your favorite Apple colors, now at Apple stores, with rose gold coming in early November. The silver G-DRIVE mobile USB-C is available today at G-Technology resellers. The drives can be purchased at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $ 119.95*.

    “When I am out on location I need fast, reliable portable storage solutions to help keep up with demanding shoots. With sleek designs and super speeds, I know I can count on G-Technology drives as my go-to back up and transfer solutions, wherever I need to be,” said Jeremy Cowart, celebrity photographer and G-Team Ambassador.

    The G-DRIVE mobile USB-C and G-DRIVE slim SSD USB-C are easily reformatted for Windows users with the G-Technology Windows Format Wizard. For more information on G-Technology offerings, please visit www.g-technology.com.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Creative Currency: 33 Sculptural Works of Art Made From Coins

    [ By SA Rogers in Art & Sculpture & Craft. ]

    screen-shot-2016-10-30-at-5-57-20-pm

    These works of art are literally made of money, yet worth more than the sum of their parts – but do they support or negate the argument that coins should be obsolete as currency? Artists use pennies, nickels, half dollars, Eurocents and other coins to craft murals, mosaics, sculptural busts and benches, or just carve into their faces, modifying them into pop culture icons like Frankenstein and E.T.

    Hand-Engraved Coins by Shaun Hughes

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    coin-art-hughes-2

    coin-art-hughes-3

    UK-based engraver Shaun Hughes etches decorative designs onto coin faces, embellishing therewith curlicue and floral patterns or adding flowing hair.

    Hobo Nickels by Paolo Curcio

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    coin-art-hobo-nickels-2

    coin-art-hobo-nickels-3

    coin-art-hobo-nickels-4

    Following in the hobo nickel tradition, an inexpensive and highly portable art form involving the modificationn of coins, artist Paolo Curcio adorns a variety of coins with pop culture imagery, skulls and more, including the heads of clowns, Frankenstein and E.T.

    Geometric Coin Sculptures by Robert Wechsler

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    coin-art-geometric-sculptures-2

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    Artist Robert Wechsler cuts slits into coins that enable him to build complex three-dimensional sculptures, including a series for The New Yorker. The sculptures can consist of as few as four coins, up into the thousands.

    Welded Euro Sculptures by Gabriel Rufete

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    Whether stacked on top of each other or welded at their edges, coins provide the basis for surprisingly detailed sculptures of human forms by Gabriel Rufete.

    Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
    Creative Currency 33 Sculptural Works Of Art Made From Coins

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    [ By SA Rogers in Art & Sculpture & Craft. ]

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  • REVIEW: Everyday Messenger Bag for Photographers… And Everyone Else!

    Peak Design is familiar to any pro photographer and their latest Kickstarter project for their Everyday Bags that gathered over $ 6,000,000 of funding has made them famous far beyond the photography world. While their new backpack, tote, and sling from the Everyday series are conquering the world, I’ve got a chance to put my hands on Peak Design’s Every Messenger Continue Reading

    The post REVIEW: Everyday Messenger Bag for Photographers… And Everyone Else! appeared first on Photodoto.


    Photodoto

  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85/G80 Review

    Key Features

    • 16MP Four Thirds MOS sensor w/o optical low pass filter
    • 5-axis image stabilization with Dual I.S. 2
    • Splash/dust-proof body
    • Depth from Defocus AF
    • 2.36M-dot OLED EVF
    • 3-inch 1.04M-dot fully-articulating touchscreen LCD
    • 4K video / photo
    • Focus stacking and post focus

    The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 is an SLR-style mid-range mirrorless camera. It features 4K video capture, 2nd-generation 5-axis image stabilization and a 16MP Four Thirds sensor with no optical low pass filter. A sister model, the G80 will be available in other markets.

    Though Panasonic has not come outright and said it, the G85 is the successor to the G7. More a refinement than something new entirely, both cameras share seemingly identical bodies and offer twin control dials, plenty of customizable buttons and fully articulating touch interfaces. 

    But the G85 is rather more grand: it’s weather-sealed with a magnesium alloy front plate, and offers a new electromagnetic shutter to combat shutter shock, an upgraded electronic viewfinder and 5-axis in-camera IS.

    Like the Panasonic GX85, the G85 uses a 16MP chip with no anti-aliasing filter. We found image quality from the GX85 to be slightly improved over that of past Panasonic cameras using the same 16MP chip with AA filters (like the G7).

    The G85 also uses the same redesigned shutter mechanism as the GX85, which we found to effectively mitigate shutter shock, an issue that affected the Panasonic G7. 

    Compared to its peers

      Panasonic G85 Panasonic G7 Panasonic GX85 Sony a6300 Olympus EM-5 II
    MSRP $ 900 (body) $ 800 (with kit lens) $ 800 (with kit lens) $ 1000 (body) $ 1100 (body)
    Sensor (resolution/size) 16MP Four Thirds 16MP Four Thirds 16MP Four Thirds 24MP APS-C 16MP Four Thirds
    AA filter No Yes No Yes No
    Stabilization Sensor-shift (5-axis) + Dual IS 2 In-lens only
    Sensor-shift (5-axis) + Dual I.S.
    In-lens only Sensor-shift (5-axis)
    EVF res/mag. 2.36M-dot OLED (0.74x) 2.36M-dot OLED (0.7x) 2.76M-dot field sequential LCD (0.7x) 2.36M-dot OLED (0.7x) 2.36M-dot LCD (0.74x)
    Autofocus Contrast Detect w/ 49-points + DFD Contrast Detect w/ 49-points + DFD Contrast Detect w/ 49-points + DFD Hybrid AF w/425 PDAF points Contrast Detect w/ 81-points
    Burst w/ continuous AF 6 fps 6 fps 6 fps 11 fps 5 fps
    LCD size, type 3-inch 1.04M-dot articulating 3-inch 1.04M-dot articulating 3-inch 1.04M-dot tilting 3-inch
    921k-dot tilting
    3-inch 1.04M-dot articulating
    Touchscreen Yes Yes Yes No Yes
    Mic/Headphone port Yes/No Yes/No No/No Yes/No Yes/No
    Max movie resolution 4K/30p 4K/30p 4K/30p 4K/30p 1080/60p
    Weather-sealing Yes No No Yes Yes
    Flash sync speed 1/160 sec 1/160 sec 1/160 sec 1/160 sec 1/250 sec
    Battery life 320 shots 350 shots 290 shots 400 shots 310 shots
    Weight 453 g 410 g 426 g 404 g 469 g
    Dimensions 128 x 89 x 74 mm 125 x 86 x 77mm 122 x 71 x 44 mm 120 x 67 x 49 mm 124 x 85 x 45mm

    While the three Panasonic cameras compared above share quite a lot, the G85 stands out against the other 16MP Panasonic’s as the most appealing choice. This is due to its inclusion of weather-sealing, an updated Dual IS system and upgraded electronic viewfinder.

    When compared to similar mirrorless offerings from Sony and Olympus, things get a bit more complicated. The Sony beats it in terms of its more sophisticated AF system, larger sensor and faster burst (w/ AF), but the G85 offers superior ergonomics (fully articulating touchscreen, dual top-plate control dials, higher magnification EVF). The G85 and EM-5 II also share quite a lot, the major distinction between the two being the G85’s 4K video capability (compared to 1080p on the Olympus).

    The whole Panasonic gang, including the Panasonic G85, GX85, G7 and 20MP GX8.

    Pricing and availability

    The Panasonic G85 will be available in the US for $ 899 body only and $ 999 with 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power O.I.S. kit lens.

    Accessories

    The optional DMW-BGG1 vertical battery grip adds an additional shutter release and improved ergonomics, as well as room for a second battery, effectively doubling shooting time.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Google Pixel XL real-world sample gallery

    The Google Pixel XL landed in our office recently, and in addition to a trip to the studio, it’s been around the neighborhood for some real-world shooting. Take a look at how it handles a variety of situations, including some inexplicably sunny fall Seattle days.

    See our Google Pixel XL
    real-world sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    Four-day-old zebrafish embryo (10x). 1st place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Dr. Oscar Ruiz

    For over 40 years Nikon’s Small World photomicrography competition has celebrated imagery of the hidden world right under our noses. This year, an image of a four-day-old Zebrafish embryo has taken the top prize. But that’s just scratching the surface – take a look at the top ten winners here and head over to the competition website to see even more.

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    2nd place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Douglas L. Moore

    Polished slab of Teepee Canyon agate (90x).

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    3rd place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Rebecca Nutbrown

    Brain cells from skin cells : Specifically, this is a culture of neurons (stained green) derived from human skin cells, and Schwann cells, a second type of brain cell (stained red), which have started to cover the neuron in the same way these cells interact in the brain. (20x)

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    4th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Jochen Schroeder

    Butterfly proboscis (6.3x). 

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    5th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Dr. Igor Siwanowicz

    Front foot (tarsus) of a male diving beetle (100x).

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    6th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Marek Mi?

    Air bubbles formed from melted ascorbic acid (vitamin C) crystals (50x).

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    7th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Dr. David Maitland

    Leaves of Selaginella (lesser club moss) (40x).

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    8th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Samuel Silberman

    Wildflower stamens (40x).

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    9th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Vin Kitayama & Sanae Kitayama

    Espresso coffee crystals.

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    10th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Rogelio Moreno Gill

    Frontonia (showing ingested food, cilia, mouth and trichocysts) (200x).

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Watch thousands of books being reshelved in a two minute time-lapse

    After a two-year closure for repairs, the Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library reopened earlier this month. That meant a whole lot of books had to go back on the shelves. Thankfully, the whole process has been documented in a totally engrossing time-lapse video that makes it look way easier than it actually was. Take a look at the video above, and head to the NYPL’s blog for more on the grand re-opening of their Rose Main Reading Room.

    Related: Photos of Cincinnati’s impressive ‘Old Main’ public library

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Garden of Whispers: Surreal Sand Dunes Fill 13th-Century Gothic Church

    [ By WebUrbanist in Art & Installation & Sound. ]

    garden-of-whispers-installation

    A makeshift wooden walkway winds along a strand-lit and tree-lined path between dunes, creating a surreal environment within the context of this historic church.

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    Set in a religious space in Toulouse, this strange journey is punctuated by small vignettes that speak to the history of the place. In addition to physical installations and visuals, the space features a soundscape of whispered voices playing in the background and array of carefully generated aromas.

    staged-sleeping-area

    Along their way through the sandscape, visitors will find a full campsite nestled in the low hills as well as other small shelters with pots, pans, bedding and fireplaces – temporary and nomadic signals juxtaposed with a sturdy historical structure.

    art-church-installation

    The materials date from various ages, including modern plastics as well as ancient-looking tents of rough-hewn wood and fabric. The end result fits the artist’s aim of “creating a timeless experience outside known references.”

    staged-lighting

    Nor is the experience entirely static – live persons add dynamism to the mix. Artist Hans Op De Beeck “has staged a number of serene figures that quietly perform mundane, everyday acts. From time to time, these silent live performers offer tea to visitors.”

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    “Overall, the ‘Garden of Whispers’ incorporates a range of historical, religious and mythological references, yet most importantly, aims to offer a profound experience of the present, regardless of explicit references.” The temporary installation will be open to the public through this November.

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    [ By WebUrbanist in Art & Installation & Sound. ]

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