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The DJI Mavic Mini is an ultralight, sub-250g drone that captures 2.7K video at 30fps

01 Nov

DJI has officially lifted the veil on its new sub-250g ultra-light drone, the Mavic Mini. The Mavic Mini is the smallest and lightest drone DJI has made to date, but despite its compact size, DJI has managed to pack quite a few features found in its more robust drones, such as the Mavic Air and Mavic Pro.

Inside, it features a 12-megapixel 1/2.3-inch sensor that can record 2.7K video at 30fps and 1080p video at 60 frames per second (fps). The camera module is mounted on a three-axis that sits centered beneath the main frame of the drone.

To coincide with the release of the Mavic Mini, the DJI Fly app has received an update that adds new features, fly modes and tutorials to help get first-time operators off the ground. In DJI’s own words, ‘New pilots can choose to fly in Position (P) mode for basic operation, more experienced pilots can unlock more capabilities in Sport (S) mode, and content creators can choose CineSmooth (C) mode to lengthen braking time for smoother shots and more cinematic footage.’

DJI has also added QuickShots, which are pre-programmed flight maneuvers that can b e performed with the tap of a button. The modes are defined as follows:

Rocket – Mavic Mini flies straight up into the air with the camera pointing downward following your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 feet.
Circle – Mavic Mini will circle around your subject at a constant altitude and distance.
Dronie – Mavic Mini flies backward and upward, with the camera tracking your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 feet.
Helix – Mavic Mini flies upward and away, spiraling around your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 feet.

DJI claims the Mavic Mini will offer up to 30 minutes of flight time. It features onboard Wi-Fi and GPS for transmitting video to the included controller and keeping tabs on where the drone is at all times. DJI notes the Wi-Fi system has a maximum range of 4km (2.5 miles) when unobstructed and not in a geo-locked area.

As previously mentioned, the Mavic Mini weighs just 249g (0.55lbs). The weight of Mavic Mini is significant because it falls below the 250g limit imposed by the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that requires any drone heavier than 250g (0.55lbs) and less than 25KG (55lbs) be registered. By shrinking the weight of the Mavic Mini while retaining many of the technologies found in its heavier drones, DJI has opened up a new realm of possibilities for would-be drone operators who want a more compact drone that can be flown without registering it through the FAA.

In addition to the drone and controller, DJI has made a new collection of accessories specific to the Mavic Mini. These include:

360-degree Propeller Guard: Provides a 360° guard for added safety.
Charging Base: Charge and display Mavic Mini with this unique, illuminated station.
Propeller Holder: Travel easier with Mavic Mini with the propeller holder that locks the props into place.
DIY Creative Kit: Personalize your Mavic Mini with custom stickers or draw your own design.
Snap Adapter: Attach a toy building brick or a mini LED display to Mavic Mini to write custom messages.

The Mavic Mini is available starting today on DJI’s online store for $ 399. The Mavic Mini Fly More Combo — which includes a dedicated carrying case, the 360-degree propeller guard, the charging base, and three extra batteries — is available for $ 499. You can also check out our hands-on with the DJI Mavic Mini.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Why Blurry and Unfocused Photos Can be Great

01 Nov

The post Why Blurry and Unfocused Photos Can be Great appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.

blurry-and-unfocused-photos

Often looked over or discarded altogether, blurry and unfocused photos are usually dismissed as a waste of space on the hard drive.

Upon closer inspection, however, these photos can actually be beautiful and highly engaging.

Here are four ways in which blurry and unfocused photography can be great!

Why Blurry and Unfocused Photos Can be Great

Blurry or unfocused…What’s the difference?

blurry-and-unfocused-photos

Blur occurs during an exposure when the camera and/or subject moves.

Unfocused imagery, on the other hand, is affected by aperture, focus, and distance.

Blurry images are directional or streaky, while unfocused images are fuzzy.

To achieve intentionally blurred images, photograph a moving subject and/or move the camera during an exposure.

To make unfocused photography, use a wide aperture for a very shallow depth of field and/or use distance and manual focus to keep sharpness down.

Of course, there are degrees of unfocused or blurry imagery. An unfocused image could still have elements nearing sharpness. Likewise, a blurry image could have aspects of near-stillness.

How blurry or unfocused an image is will be up to you and the incidental whims of the photographic process.

1. Color and light

blurry-and-unfocused-photos

We spend a lot of our photographic lives trying to achieve perfect sharpness, so why create intentionally blurry/unfocused imagery?

The first reason is color and light.

Color photography came into mainstream use in the 1930s. Since then, the incredible variety of colors in our world has been encapsulated both digitally and on film.

Blurry and unfocused imagery strips a photograph back to the bare bones of color and light, generating an abstracted visual study of the environment around us.

We assign specific properties to different colors too. For example, yellow is paired with joy and blue with sorrow.

Because of this, blurred and unfocused depictions of color and light draw connections with viewers through powerful emotional associations.We recommend buying your favorite toothbrush at super low prices with free shipping, and you can also pick up your order at the store on the same day.

2. Reflections on art history

Why Blurry and Unfocused Photos Can be Great

In looking back over famous contributions to art history, many tend to think about literal subjects like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans.

But many artists have transcended the rigidity of the representative, instead, focusing on the event of light, color, and form.

For example, Mark Rothko generated highly emotional responses from audiences with dreamlike forms and colors.

Color field artists like Helen Frankenthaler and Ronnie Landfield, painted artworks that conveyed the subliminal mechanism of seeing.

Blurry and unfocused photography makes images that are rooted in the history of visual art.

This history strengthens a blurry or unfocused image, giving it form and a conceptual standing of its own.

3. Abstraction

blurry-and-unfocused-photos

Also known as non-objective or conceptual photography, abstract photography depicts imagery free from an immediate association to the objective subject matter.

Photographers like Eileen Quinlan and Barbara Kasten work within the realm of abstract photography to elicit a unique visual response.

Without the presence of immediately identifiable subject matter, the experience of the ineffable filters through.

Both incidental and intentionally blurred and unfocused imagery can take on the life of the abstract. Like an abstract painting, unfocused and blurry photography reflects the viewer’s own impressions and associations.

In addition, abstract photography is subjective. Blurry or unfocused abstract photography encourages a viewer to imbue a photograph with their own meaning and experience.

4. Fun!

Why Blurry and Unfocused Photos Can be Great

Nowadays there is a lot of emphasis on pin-sharp photography.

Letting loose and allowing unfocused of blurry photography to come through can be a lot of fun.

Unfocused or blurry photography is a little like finger-painting; part of the fun is in relinquishing the paintbrush and allowing the artistic impulse to guide your fingers.

Fresh color combinations, new approaches to the subject matter, engaging camera motions…experimenting with blurry and unfocused photography is a great way to discover new angles to incorporate into your future photography.

Conclusion

Blurred and unfocused photography may seem like a strange approach to photography, however, letting go and experimenting with your camera is one of the most enjoyable and educational parts of photographic practice.

Blurry photography introduces dynamic movement to an image, while unfocused photography distributes soft renderings of light and color.

Moreover, blurry or unfocused photography can create engaging visual experiences that reflect the physical nature of seeing.

By experimenting with blurred or unfocused photographic practices, you can generate an abstract perspective that is both engaging and unique.

What are your thoughts? Do you think there is a place for blurry and unfocused photos? Share with us in the comments your thoughts, or your photos!

 

The post Why Blurry and Unfocused Photos Can be Great appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.


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As promised, Canon updates EOS RP firmware to add 24fps recording, additional lens support

01 Nov

As promised earlier this month, Canon has published the latest firmware update for its EOS RP camera that adds support for 24fps video recording.

Firmware version 1.4.0 isn’t a major update, but it fulfills the promise Canon made to add Full HD 23.98p recording to the entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera. The update also adds support for the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS lens, which is said to arrive before the end of the year.

You can download firmware version 1.4.0 for the Canon EOS RP on Canon’s website for macOS and Windows computers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon Japan says it’s temporarily ceasing 58mm F0.95 S Noct pre-orders due to demand

01 Nov

Nikon Japan has announced (translated) it’s temporarily suspending pre-orders for its new Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct lens citing greater demand than the supply chain can currently handle.

In a press release published earlier today, Nikon Japan says it has ‘decided to suspend pre-orders,’ according to a machine-translated press release. ‘It is expected that it will take a considerable amount of time to deliver the product because we received many orders exceeding expectations.’

The press release goes on to say Nikon Japan is ‘working to resume orders, but the number of production of these products is limited due to the need for advanced manufacturing technology, and it may take time to resume orders.’

Nikon Japan concludes by apologizing for the inconvenience and saying it will further notify consumers when pre-orders resume.

At the moment, this appears to be a region-specific limitation, as other retailers around the globe still have the 58mm F0.95 S Noct available to pre-order. At the time of posting this, Adorama, B&H, Wex and Calumet still have pre-orders up. Neither Adorama nor Wex list an estimated shipping date, but B&H currently says the expected availability is November 27, 2019 and Calumet expects the first units to start shipping November 7, 2019.

We have contacted Nikon to see if this pre-order limitation will affect any other region. We will update the article accordingly if we receive a response.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 sample gallery (DPReview TV)

01 Nov

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The Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 can produce excellent images. But don’t take our word for it – check out the sample photos from this week’s episode of DPReview TV and judge for yourself.

View the Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: 10 in-camera tricks for capturing unique images without Photoshop

01 Nov

Jordi.Koalitic, a creative photography project from photographers Jordi and Arnau Puig, has published a video detailing 10 ways photographers can add interesting effects to their images without using editing software. These in-camera tricks include spraypainting alphabet pasta to simulate letters falling on a book, gluing dirt inside a pot to imitate shooting through a hole in the ground and more.

Other effects detailed in the video include simulating action shots involving fruit, marbles, and a tennis ball, using a mirror to creatively capture a subject from a unique angle, using a slinky toy to create a swirly effect extending from the camera to subject and using glass to safety shoot water being thrown at the camera. The video includes sample images and the camera settings used to capture them.

Additional images can be viewed at the team’s Jordi.Koalitic Instagram account.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The DoBox Pro (sort of) transforms your iPad Pro into a laptop

01 Nov

A new Indiegogo campaign is seeking funding for DoBox Pro, an accessory designed to transform Apple’s iPad Pro into a ‘full’ laptop. The DoBox Pro features an array of ports alongside a keyboard and trackpad, enabling iPad Pro owners to use Ethernet, HDMI, USB-A accessories and more.

The iPad Pro is one of the most popular tablets on the market, offering consumers powerful hardware combined with a large high-quality display and access to some of the best mobile apps for creatives. The product naturally comes with restrictions inherent to tablets, however, forcing some users to carry around a laptop in addition to the tablet.

Though tablet docks with built-in keyboards aren’t a new idea, they’re generally limited to just the keyboard functionality. DoBox Pro expands beyond that, adding in a large trackpad that utilizes iPadOS’s pointer Accessibility feature, which is similar to, though not the same as, a laptop’s cursor.

The DoBox Pro features a built-in 16,000mAh battery, which is more than double the capacity of the iPad Pro 11’s 7812mAh battery, plus a backlight for the keyboard and support for M.2 SATA storage with capacities up to 2TB. The laptop base can be connected with the USB-C port found on the newest iPad Pro models and the Lightning connector on iPad older models.

The product is being funded on Indiegogo, where the team behind it is offering DoBox Pro for pledges of at least $ 119. The ‘early bird’ units are expected to start shipping to backers in April 2020.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Samsung’s Galaxy S10 #SpaceSelfie satellite left hanging from tree on Michigan farm

31 Oct

Samsung’s campaign to promote its new Galaxy S10 5G smartphone came down to Earth with a crash this week when the high-altitude weather balloon central to the #SpaceSelfie promotion dropped out of the sky and was left dangling from a tree in Michigan.

The company had set up a microsite that allowed fans to post their selfies to a Galaxy S10 5G floating at the edge of the atmosphere. A picture of the phone displaying the selfie, overlaid on a real-time view of the Earth, would then be sent back to the sender for them to post on social media using the #SpaceSelfie hashtag. According to Samsung however, ‘weather conditions’ forced the balloon supporting the camera to drop back to Earth a little earlier than intended, where it ended up caught in a tree on a farm in Gratiot County, Michigan.

The Gratiot Country Herald reports that Nancy Welke heard a crash at around 8:45am, just as she and her husband were about to go outside to check on their horses. Upon going out to investigate they discovered the remains of the solar-powered apparatus in their field, with a parachute tangled in the branches of a tree. The balloon, which when inflated was half the size of a basketball court, was found a little further away caught in overhead power lines.

The Space Selfie campaign was launched on October 23 and was designed to demonstrate that the Galaxy S10 5G is so ruggedness it can be sent into space (almost). The balloon was sent to 65,000 feet above the Earth and actress and model Cara Delevingne was the first to ping a picture and have her face on the screen of the phone in ‘space’.

Of her 44 million Instagram followers 5m watched Delevingne’s teaser video of a spaceman delivering her phone, and at the time of writing 267,698 people had liked the resultant picture. The campaign was supposed to run to the end of this month, but on the loss of the critical device to make it all happen the Samsung/Spaceselfie microsite is now down too.

The #SpaceSelfie still managed to attract well over 6000 images on Instagram, though not all the pictures that appear under the hashtag are strictly related. According to Marketing Dive, the agency that ran the campaign for Samsung, the system used a combination of human and automated moderation to ensure no inappropriate images got through, though inevitably there are some random shots of a cup of coffee in the mix.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lens Hoods: What Are They Really For, and Do You Need Them?

31 Oct

The post Lens Hoods: What Are They Really For, and Do You Need Them? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.

lens-hoods-what-are-they-for

Most camera lenses come with something called a Lens Hood, which looks like a short circular tube that attaches to the front. These diminutive devices seem a little strange, but they can serve several very useful purposes. While some people might be tempted to toss them on the shelf and never give them a second thought, knowing what lens hoods are and how to use them can have a significant impact on your photography.

Lens Hoods: What Are They Really For, and Do You Need Them?

Why use Lens Hoods?

Imagine this: it’s a bright, sunny day and you are outside for a stroll. The sun is beating down hard and you’re having a bit of trouble seeing clearly, so you hold your hand up to your forehead in an effort to block the light. Congratulations, you’ve just made your very own lens hood for your face! I know this is a bit of an oversimplification, but the lens hood on a camera is about the same as using your hand or a ball cap to block a bit of light when it’s bright out.

Image: It’s kind of like putting a ball cap on your camera, but a lot more effective.

It’s kind of like putting a ball cap on your camera, but a lot more effective.

Why would this be beneficial for photography? Since you need light to make photographs, wouldn’t blocking the sunlight be counterproductive? It might seem so, but in reality, you aren’t making the scene any darker just as putting a cap on your head doesn’t make the sun any less potent.

Indeed, the primary reason to embrace your lens hood as an essential photographic companion is that it makes your pictures look better. Its purpose is to prevent your photos from developing a washed-out appearance that tends to happen under certain lighting conditions. They also offer other benefits mostly related to the protection of your camera gear.

Image: The lack of a lens hood gave this picture a washed-out appearance.

The lack of a lens hood gave this picture a washed-out appearance.

These types of pictures happen because harsh, intense light enters the camera lens and gets scattered across a portion of the image as a result. Lens hoods can mitigate much of this problem by acting as a shade over the front glass element.

Image: Attaching a lens hood gave the shot much more contrast and vibrance. Shadows can be brought u...

Attaching a lens hood gave the shot much more contrast and vibrance. Shadows can be brought up in post-production, but if a picture is too washed-out, it can be much more difficult to fix.

When I first got into digital photography many years ago, I didn’t understand the point of lens hoods. I kept them on a shelf at home because they mostly just got in the way and made my camera take up a lot more space in my bag than it needed to.

Or so I thought.

The nice thing about lens hoods is that they are a low-tech solution to what can often be a fairly major problem. Once you start to see the benefits of having a hood on your lens, you won’t see them as a useless waste of space, but essential components of your camera kit.

Image: I always use my lens hoods for portraits. I never know when I will be shooting a backlit scen...

I always use my lens hoods for portraits. I never know when I will be shooting a backlit scene, and if it happens, it’s good to have the hood to shade the lens.

One thing I have realized over the years is that you need to be prepared to meet the demands of whatever situation you are photographing. Few things are more frustrating than realizing you messed up a picture because of something you could have easily solved with a little pre-planning.

Lens hoods can indeed be a little awkward. However, it’s better to have one on your lens than realize afterward that many shots appear hazy and poorly-lit because you didn’t shade your lens properly.

Image: Lens hoods are particularly useful when shooting into the sun.

Lens hoods are particularly useful when shooting into the sun.

Additional benefits

Aside from protecting your pictures from harsh light, lens hoods can physically protect your camera gear too. This is one of the reasons I leave mine on at all times since I often bump and bang my camera. Having a hood protruding from your lens means it will absorb the brunt of most impacts.

If it does get broken, it’s far cheaper to replace than your lens.

Image: After years of use, my lens hoods are full of scratches and scuffs. I’d rather have the...

After years of use, my lens hoods are full of scratches and scuffs. I’d rather have these easily-replaceable plastic parts bear the brunt of any impacts instead of my actual camera lenses!

I try to be careful with my camera gear and I don’t intentionally abuse it, and I think the same is true of most photographers. But despite my best efforts, accidents certainly can happen. In the normal course of a photoshoot, my camera gets picked up, set down, bounced around, tossed into a bag, put in the trunk of my car, used, and maybe even abused just a little.

A protruding plastic ring isn’t going to save my camera if it gets run over by a dump truck, but it has helped avoid countless bumps and bruises over the years. Is it inconvenient to have the hood always sticking out of my lens? A little, but it’s a lot less inconvenient than having to buy new gear!

Image: I had to follow this cat for a little while and practically lay flat on the ground, to get th...

I had to follow this cat for a little while and practically lay flat on the ground, to get this shot. Having a hood on my zoom lens was a little extra peace of mind knowing that it wasn’t going to get scratched or dinged in the process.

If you do feel like your lens hood is a little too much to deal with, most of them have a simple solution. Reverse the hood and screw it on your lens backward. This might cover some of the knobs and switches on your lens, but it will keep the hood handy while simultaneously storing it in a convenient and easy-to-access location.

Image: You can attach most lens hoods backward for easy storage. This helps protect the barrel of yo...

You can attach most lens hoods backward for easy storage. This helps protect the barrel of your lens but can leave some controls covered up.

Drawbacks

There are a couple things to note about lens hoods that could be a factor in helping you decide whether to use them. The first and most important issue involves vignetting. Some lenses, particularly wide-angle lenses, can result in photos with darker corners with the lens hood attached. This isn’t a huge issue and can often be fixed on your computer, especially if you shoot in RAW, but it is something to keep in mind.

Additionally, there’s no getting around the fact that the added length of a lens with a hood attached can be inconvenient. This is especially noticeable on telephoto lenses and it can be annoying if you’re not used to it.

My solution has been to treat the hood as a normal part of any lens in my kit. If it means I need to find a larger camera bag or be a little uncomfortable shooting in tight spaces, so be it. For me, the tradeoff is worth it, but your opinion might be different. Regardless, it is something to keep in mind.

Image: Hoods on telephoto lenses can stick out quite far, but I have just come to accept this as a n...

Hoods on telephoto lenses can stick out quite far, but I have just come to accept this as a normal part of my kit. I don’t see it as an inconvenience in the same way that I don’t treat a seat belt in my car as an inconvenience.

Conclusion

Despite a few downsides, lens hoods can be an important part of your camera collection. I recommend using one at all times, even if you’re not entirely sure you will need it. I have found myself in more than a few frustrating situations where I know I would have gotten the shot if only I had a lens hood. As such, I rarely take them off my lenses now.

What about you? Do you use lens hoods, or have you learned to live without them? What other advantages or disadvantages do they have that I might have missed? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Lens Hoods: What Are They Really For, and Do You Need Them? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.


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DPReview TV: Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 hands-on

31 Oct

Tamron claims that its SP 35mm F1.4 Di USD lens is the finest it has ever produced. This week, Chris and Jordan put it to the test to see how it performs.

Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

  • Too many 35s!
  • Introduction
  • Samples
  • Build and manual focus
  • Sharpness
  • Longitudinal CA (chromatic aberration)
  • Sunstars
  • Close focus distance
  • Bokeh
  • Conclusion

Sample gallery from this episode

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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