The Olympus E-PL10 is a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera that first debuted in Asian markets late last year, and earlier this year arrived in North America. Its rear touchscreen flips 180° to face forward for selfies, and its compact size makes it a good candidate for documenting the every day. We’ve put together a gallery of samples taken as the weather turns warmer and all kinds of creatures begin to emerge in the wild.
Photographer Mathieu Stern is often using interesting camera gear, lenses and even trying unusual photographic processes. His latest project was to create an ‘anthotype’ print, also known as a phytotype. This photographic process was invented all the way back in 1842 by Sir John Herschel.
To create an anthotype print, you must use photosensitive material from plants. Materials ranging from flower petals, fruits and vegetables can be used. A sheet of paper is coated with the photosensitive material and then partially covered with an object or a photo positive before being exposed to light. The area of the paper which was not covered is essentially bleached, leaving color behind only in obscured areas of the image. There is no fixer used in this photographic process, so the paper remains sensitive to light.
As you can see in Stern’s video below, for his anthotype print, Stern used beetroot juice. After filtering the juice, Stern applied it to a piece of paper and let it dry. He then repeated the process for a second and third coat. After preparing his paper, Stern placed one of his transparent positives over the paper and placed them both in a wooden frame. He then left the positive and beetroot paper in the sun for a week. You can see the full process and result in the video below.
If you are looking for a fun project to try at home, creating an anthotype is a neat option. Stern also recently tried his hand at the cyanotype photographic process. You can learn how this went by clicking here.
To view more of Mathieu Stern’s work, be sure to visit his website. If you’d like to see his videos, you can view them on his YouTube channel. There you can find a lot of interesting experiments, including Stern creating a lens using ice, adapting many old lenses to his modern mirrorless cameras and much more.
Returning to Stern’s inspriration, the creator of the anthotype photographic process, Sir John Herschel, led a very interesting life. Born in the late 18th century in England, Herschel spent time as a mathematician, astronomer, chemist, inventor and experimental photographer. Herschel also invented the cyanotype photographic process, which became the blueprint. His contributions to science were many.
With respect to photography, Herschel made numerous contributions. In addition to creating cyanotype and anthotype photographic processes, Herschel is credited as the first person to use the term ‘photography’ itself in 1839 and the first to use the terms ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ within the field. Also in 1839, Herschel’s fixing agent was used by his friend, Henry Fox Talbot as Talbot raced against Daguerre to perfect a photographic process using negatives. That same year, Herschel himself made what is considered to be the first glass negative.
A number of Android smartphones are at risk of suffering a fatal system error if the user sets a specific image as their wallpaper. The discovery was first publicized by popular Twitter account Ice Universe and has since been confirmed by users who tested the warning for themselves. The issue, it turns out, is the image’s color space and Android’s current inability to deal with it.
There’s nothing inherently malicious about the image shared by Ice Universe; it shows an idyllic landscape complete with water, mountains and clouds. The problem, investigators have discovered, is that its color space is incompatible with Android, which currently doesn’t have a method in place to detect this incompatibility and convert the image to color space it supports.
Setting the image as an Android wallpaper will cause the phone to crash; it will reboot, but soon crash again, in most cases doing this too quickly for the user to change their wallpaper to something else. As a result, the user is forced to factory reset the device, losing any images and other data that wasn’t backed up beforehand.
WARNING??? Never set this picture as wallpaper, especially for Samsung mobile phone users! It will cause your phone to crash! Don’t try it! If someone sends you this picture, please ignore it. pic.twitter.com/rVbozJdhkL
— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) May 31, 2020
As expected, this issue isn’t limited to only this particular image — any non-sRGB image may potentially cause the same crash. Android Authority recently spoke with a developer who shed light on the problem with a long, technical answer for those who are interested. Put simply: Android can only deal with sRGB images as wallpapers and doesn’t currently know how to handle certain non-sRGB images, triggering an infinite loop of fatal errors that forces the user to factory reset their device.
As noted by multiple Android developers, as well as 9to5Google, not all Android phones are vulnerable to this bug, though many major ones are, including older Google Pixel phones, Samsung smartphones and more. 9to5Google‘s Dylan Roussel reports that the Pixel 4 XL running Android 11 doesn’t not crash from this image while the Pixel 3 XL on Android 10 does.
In Android 11, the system will detect if the wallpaper’s color space isn’t supported and will convert it to something it does support. Though Android 10 doesn’t have this same capability, it seems Google is already working on a fix for this problem, which means older Android phones that don’t update to Android 11 will eventually be protected from the bug, as well.
Until that happens, however, there’s a big problem for Android users: now that the bug has been widely publicized, there will no doubt be some people who deliberately seed these problematic images to mobile wallpaper websites in an effort to crash devices.
Though the bug doesn’t totally brick the device, it does often force a factory reset; many users report being unable to resolve the issue in Safe Mode. This means that many users who aren’t careful may end up losing some of their data.
Ice Universe notes that when the image is uploaded to other social media websites, it is converted and becomes safe to use with Android; only the image uploaded to Twitter retains its problematic color space.
To protect one’s self, Android users can avoid publically offered wallpapers until the Android 11 update arrives, they can limit their wallpapers to their own images or official manufacturer theme stores or there’s always the option of manually checking that an image is compatible before setting it as one’s Android wallpaper.
I am quickly becoming a big fan of Northern California. I first went out last year for my birthday, had a blast, drank lots of wine. This was my second trip up to SF/Sonoma – Hung out for a day or two in the city, then drove up to the wine country. Only carried my GF1, but it served me well. (although my buddy who isn’t a photographer himself had an old Hasselblad 503cw from his dad, which we took out for some shots!) Early winter seems the perfect time to go as well – the countryside was a rainbow of reds and yellows… the vine covered hillsides were shockingly bright, especially when viewed from afar – the highly maicured vines created an almost solid carpet of color across the rolling hills.
Lots of pictures, lots of wine… what more could you ask for? (slideshow below)
Fujifilm UK has announced it’s donated Instax instant cameras to 31 National Health Service (NHS) hospitals across the United Kingdom and 19 other hospitals across seven other countries to help hospital staff ‘share a smile’ with patients while still wearing their personal protective equipment (PPE).
With doctors, nurses and other hospital staff having to wear an extraordinary amount of PPE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, patients within the hospital are unable to have the more face-to-face interaction they’re more familiar with in less-chaotic times.
Left to right: [1-2] Healthcare workers at Florence Nightingale Group Hospitals, Turkey and [3] Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) di Vimercate, Monza, Italy
‘Those working on the frontline in hospitals must put on gloves, gown, face mask, visor or air hoods before entering a hospital unit or caring for a patient – creating a full suit covering almost every feature,’ says Fujifilm in its press release announcing the initiative. It goes on to say:
‘This can make it difficult to reassure a patient, who cannot see a smile or a friendly face. PPE removes an important element of the personal connection that is usually so important between a clinician and patient. It can also heighten an already worrying and intimidating situation and make patients in ICU wards feel even more isolated.’
So, in its search to figure out how it can help NHS staff and patients alike throughout the COVId-19 pandemic, Fujifilm found a clever way to keep interactions a little more personal and friendly than otherwise possible while wrapped up in PPE. Through its donated Instax cameras, the staff is able to snap a photo of themselves and attach it to their gowns.
Fujifilm says roughly 120 Instax cameras and 7,500 Instax prints have been sent to hospitals in the U.K., Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Russia, France and Denmark, with more expected to be shipped out to interested parties.
In addition to helping patients feel more connected with their caretakers, Fujifilm says it also has the added benefit of making inter-team communication easier and boosting morale, as it can be difficult to see who’s underneath all the PPE, especially considering hospitals have staff moving more frequently between floors and departments.
Fujifilm encourages any health teams interested in receiving a special Instax kit to contact them via email at comms_uk@fujifilm.com.
Hasselblad has released new firmware updates for its X1D II and 907X medium format cameras that will allow users to shoot video for the first time. The firmware also offers a focus bracketing feature that will help when an extensive depth-of-field is required in landscape or macro photography.
Firmware version 1.2.0 brings 2.7K 2720×1530 pixel video at 29.97p in 4:2:0 8-bit color, with a 1920×1080 option for those wanting FHD. The X1D II camera has had a video icon on the dial since it was launched, so now it can be made active.
The firmware also a white balance sampling tool and an Auto White Balance option for use on already captured images. The cameras already have a WB picker for sampling neutral areas of a scene in live view mode before the picture is taken, but these new options allow stored images to be used as a reference. The purpose of this is to allow the picker and AWB features to work when flash is being used, as sampling flash during live view isn’t possible – unless you are very quick. White balance settings also now display their color temperature and tint values to make matching light sources easier.
A new ratings system for captured images has been added to the playback menu to allow users to select favorites and to order images in-camera with a system that transfers in the EXIF data to image manipulation software. The press release doesn’t specify which software but we can safely assume that Hasselblad’s Phocus application will be able to read and display the ratings.
The focus bracketing feature allows users to specify the number of shots taken and the incremental differences between the focus positions. There’s also the facility to delay the first exposure to allow all vibrations from the camera to subside before the sequence begins.
A separate release sees new firmware for the XCD 45P lens that will make it compatible with the new focus bracketing feature and fixes an issue which saw the AF being cancelled if the user was holding the focusing ring of the lens.
For more information see the Hasselblad website, and download the firmware here. There’s also a Firmware 1.2.0 walk-through video on YouTube
Press release:
HASSELBLAD BRINGS POWERFUL UPDATES FOR EXPANDED CREATIVITY TO X1D II 50C, 907X SPECIAL EDITION AND XCD 45P
Introducing its largest firmware update to any Hasselblad camera at one time, Hasselblad launches Firmware Update 1.2.0 for both X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition medium format cameras, in addition to Firmware Update 0.1.24 for the XCD 45P lens. A multitude of powerful features are added to the X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition, including 2.7K/29.97 Video Recording, Focus Bracketing with all XCD lenses, Image Rating for simple image sorting and selection, White Balance Picker Tool, and more, resulting in further enhanced digital medium format camera systems that provide a wider breadth of creative possibilities. With the latest update to XCD 45P, Focus Bracketing can now be enabled on all X System cameras and 907X Special Edition cameras in addition to improved stability of auto focus and manual focus. Constantly striving to improve its camera systems with new updates and enhanced features, Hasselblad is determined to create even more powerful medium format shooting experiences for all types of visual artists.
FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.2.0: NEW FEATURES FOR BOTH X1D II 50C AND 907X SPECIAL EDITION
Video Recording: Expanding the imaging options of the X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition, 2.7K (2720 x 1530) & HD (1920 x 1080) video capture has been added. Video can be recorded at 29.97 fps with 4:2:0 8-bit colour. The 2.7K resolution option delivers improved capture of detail, whilst balancing the storage space.
Focus Bracketing: Expanding the feature set of the?X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition even further, Focus Bracketing allows a photographer trying to capture a subject with very limited depth of field, such as in macro or product photography, to capture a series of exposures of their chosen subject at a fractionally different focus point in each and then combine these captures in their chosen stacking software. The photographer will have full control over the number of frames in the sequence, the step size between each capture and an initial delay to allow any support system vibration to diminish. Note: Requires lens firmware?0.5.33 or later for all XCD lenses excluding XCD 45P. XCD 45P requires firmware 0.1.24 or later.
Image Rating: Image Rating can now be applied to all still image captures in camera, making image sorting and selection much easier when the captures are transferred to the user’s computer system. When in image playback mode, with the capture details overlay on screen, the photographer simply presses the star button or presses the displayed stars. All ratings are stored in the metadata of the captured image.
2/3 stops added in Exposure Bracketing: The Exposure Bracketing function step options have been expanded to support 2/3 stops steps in addition to the existing steps.
Expanded White Balance Tools: The menu organization and selection of White Balance presets has been improved with display of colour temperature and tint at each setting. For the most precise colour, a Picker has also been added where the photographer can sample a neutral portion of the image to balance colour.
Auto White Balance based on captured image: Auto White Balance is now based on the captured image which means that AWB can also be used when shooting in Manual Quick Mode (Manual Quick Mode specific to X1D II 50C only). It also solves the issue when working with flash in tungsten lighting where, previously, the correct white balance showed in either Live View or the captured image – now the correct white balance is present in both Live View and the final still image.
New language: Traditional Chinese has been added to language options.
FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.2.0: NEW FEATURES SPECIFIC TO X1D II 50C
EVF proximity sensor settings: It is now possible for users to adjust the sensitivity of the EVF proximity sensor. The improved setting accommodates users whose typical handling style does not always engage the sensor or prefer to disable the EVF completely.
Reset custom buttons option: A menu option has been added that will allow the custom buttons to be returned to factory defaults.
FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.2.0: NEW FEATURES SPECIFIC TO CFV II 50C DIGITAL BACK IN 907X SPECIAL EDITION
Additional camera support: Cable-free operation with CFV II 50C Digital Back on 2000-cameras and unmodified 200-cameras added. Note: some cameras may not fully work due to mechanical tolerances of old cameras.
Auto White Balance: It is now possible to automatically set White Balance for captured images.
FIRMWARE UPDATE 0.1.24 FOR XCD 45P
Support for Focus Bracketing: Focus Bracketing is now available on the X1D II 50C and the 907X Special Edition. Firmware update 0.1.24 enables Focus Bracketing to be used on the XCD 45P.
Improved stability of AF & MF: Full time Manual focus input sensitivity has been modified, to reduce the possibility of AF stopping when holding the lens.
So here’s my challenge to you: look at your work on your site. Do you love it–all of it? Does it make you smile/get you excited/make you want to do more of it? Be honest–don’t look at it from its technical side and definitely do not ask “Do I think buyers will want this?” If you do, then look at your marketing.
If you don’t, then get off your creative butt and start making the work that you make out of love and that weird compulsion that makes you do this and not be a 9-5 “normal” person.
Words of wisdom indeed. I have been working on a major portfolio overhaul, with just this in mind. You know the saying… Show what you wanna shoot!
I don’t differentiate between work and play. I think my time is spent in either excellent, good, okay, or bad fashion. If too much of my time is just “okay” or “bad” – I’m doing something wrong
I think most freelance photographers, painters, writer, and pretty much anyone in a non-“standard” 9-5 job can relate. Kinda reframes the whole “wasting time” thing – instead of trying to stop wasting time, just aim to increase the amount of time spent in excellent fashion!
The post Pgytech OneMo 25L Backpack Review appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.
When Pgytech first got in touch about doing an Onemo 25L backpack review, I wasn’t familiar with the company. So whilst I waited (not so patiently) for the bag to arrive, I set about finding out a little more about them, their origin, and ethos. Pgytech was formed by a group of young, enthusiastic, and like-minded photographers to create pioneering products that link together seamlessly with photographers’ existing kit. Besides this bag, they have created a load of products for other photography and video equipment such as drones and action cameras.
OneMo 25L Backpack Review: bag specifications
Capacity – 25L expandable to 30L and a 5L removable drone pouch.
Size – 480mm x 320mm x 230mm for the main bag and 270mm x 180mm x 120mm for the built in pouch.
Color – Black or Olivine Camo
Weight – 2.5kg total.
Material – Polyester fibre material which is water, scratch and tear resistant.
Initial thoughts
When the Pgytech OneMo 25L Backpack first arrived, I was really impressed by the presentation straight out of the box. The bag comes in a really nice branded, recyclable bag. As cool as this was, I’m not going to lie, I tore it off pretty quick so I could take a look inside. The bag itself is sleek and stylish with great quality finishes and a nice all-round feel.
Who’s it for
The OneMo 25L Backpack is designed to meet the needs of drone and photography enthusiasts. The bag will comfortably hold your DSLR or mirrorless camera along with two or three lenses (depending on your lens inventory) in the top compartment. It will also hold a few accessories such as batteries and memory cards.
The bottom section that houses the drone pouch has more than enough space to hold a Mavic 2 Pro, and it’s accessories. If you remove the drone pouch, you have plenty more room in the main bag for more lenses, clothes or general items you may need for the day. The OneMo 25L backpack has targeted the needs of the modern enthusiast and meets them efficiently.
In the field
No camera bag review is complete until you’ve spent some time using it and walking around with the bag. So I hit the trails to get a better idea of how the bag holds up for this OneMo 25L backpack review.
I was out shooting all day with my camera, a 14-30mm lens, 24-70mm lens along with all the accessories I needed. I chose to keep the pouch in the bag and placed the drone and extras in there as I wanted to have only one bag with nothing else getting in the way.
The bag was really comfortable to walk with. There was no noticeable movement from within the bag, which is always reassuring. I use a fairly heavyweight Manfrotto tripod, and I did find the top-mounted tripod holder to be a little cumbersome and awkward for a tripod of this size. But then this bag isn’t realty designed for this type of equipment.
Once I strapped one of my smaller tripods to the bag, it was not a problem. In the field, the bag was effortless to access. I really like the suitcase-style flip lid that joins down the long side of the bag as opposed to the bottom. This does away with the issue of getting straps and leads caught up with your equipment, which I find to be an issue with lots of other camera bags.
Cool features
During this Pgytech OneMo 25l backpack review, there were a couple of cool little features I discovered. I haven’t seen these before, and I thought they were a great idea for photographers.
Like many camera bags, this bag has dedicated pockets for your batteries. In one of the side flaps, there are three camera battery sized pouches with a little toggle that switches from green to red depending on the condition of your battery. This can be really useful if you have multiple batteries so you know which need charging and which are ready to use. I also thought these could be quite usefully adapted to the same end with your memory cards to know which are used and which are cleared and ready to use.
Customizable dividers. The Pgytech OneMo 25L bag can be arranged to suit all needs, but the dividers are what really make this great. They can be molded to any position and have this great little flap that can come down to support the lens and allow you to use the dead space for additional equipment.
Two of the exterior pockets have anti-theft loops that are really easy to set and incredibly hard to gain access to quickly for any would-be thieves.
Pros and cons
Pros
Lots of neat little design functions
Comfortable
Unassuming (doesn’t shout cameras inside)
Good ergonomics
Removable drone pouch
Stylish-looking
Water, scratch and tear-resistant material
Cons
Tripod holder not very big
A little more protection around the main shell would be nice.
Conclusion
This bag is a really great camera bag for any outdoor photographer.
Whilst more serious professionals might need a bigger bag for all of their equipment, this is more of an everyday bag that would be perfect for a travel photographer like me.
Whilst sometimes I may want to take a bigger bag. Generally, when I’m shooting in a place like a city, smaller bags are much more convenient. There’s less weight to carry, and they are much easier to get in and out of busy places.
Overall, I was really impressed with the OneMo 25L backpack, and it will be a welcome addition to my set of camera bags.
Note: The author was given the bag for free for this OneMo 25L Backpack review. He was not paid or given any incentives in exchange for a positive review. This review is an honest account of his experience and opinion in using the product.
You may also be interested in:
Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip Review
Gear review: 3 K&F Concept Camera Bags Put To The Test
ThinkTank Vision 15 Camera Bag Review
The post Pgytech OneMo 25L Backpack Review appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.
DPReview TV host Jordan Drake schleps around a lot of camera equipment. In this video he shows us what gear he carries in his ThinkTank Urban Disguise 50 V2 camera bag to make the magic happen.
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