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  • Don’t buy the phone with the ‘best camera,’ buy the phone you like as a phone

    If your job entails giving people on the internet buying advice about photo gear, you field a lot of questions from friends who want to make a camera purchase. It sounds corny, but we at DPR actually love these questions – it’s a chance to put an otherwise somewhat useless store of knowledge to work. We get something out of the transaction too: a data point about the needs and wants of people who are actually buying cameras. It’s like a pop quiz we spend 40 hours a week studying for.

    Lately, it’s not just cameras we’re asked about. Friends have seen plenty of advertising declaring this or that smartphone as having the ‘best camera.’ More and more, we see people treating their smartphone purchase as a camera purchase too, so it makes plenty of sense that these claims hold a lot of sway. People who seek our advice are now debating between a couple of flagship devices, sometimes within the same operating system, and sometimes not. But the question is the same – “‘Such and such phone’ has the best camera, should I buy it?”

    Here’s the short answer: Not necessarily.

    The flagship phones from the major manufacturers all have pretty darn good cameras at this point. Sure, there are slight advantages in image quality in different scenarios, but overall, any minor shortcomings are going to be easier to live with than an operating system you don’t like. This is especially true if you’re upgrading from a phone that’s several generations old. Manufacturers have been leaning hard into camera tech innovation for the past few years, so you’ll probably see plenty of improvement even upgrading from a device several years old to last year’s flagship.

    You’ll probably see plenty of improvement even upgrading from a device several years old to last year’s flagship

    There’s a slight caveat here: while quality from most smartphone cameras is good, a few of them do offer unique hardware-based camera features. The LG V30’s super-wide-angle lens is a good example – if a wider lens is something you really want, it’s worth checking the V30 out because it’s basically one-of-a-kind right now.

    It’s also worth remembering that the demands on image quality in smartphones are, in most cases, much lower than on dedicated cameras. Photos taken with phones will likely only ever be viewed at lower resolution on another device screen or in smaller printed formats, like Chatbooks. In many situations, even the image quality benefits of a dedicated camera will be negligible when images are downsized for viewing on a 5″ screen.

    So why even test phone cameras if they’re all good enough at this point? The same reason why we test cameras: so you can make an informed buying decision. We also fully expect them to eventually challenge more traditional cameras, but that’s another story for another day. Even if we could declare one traditional camera as the objective ‘best camera,’ that would be a pretty meaningless award. Size and cost, for example, are two huge factors to consider when buying a camera. It doesn’t matter if you bought the ‘best’ camera of all time; if it’s too heavy and you leave it at home most of the time then it wasn’t the best camera for you.

    How you get along with your smartphone is an important consideration since many of us spend an embarrassing amount of our waking hours using them

    How you get along with your smartphone is an important consideration since many of us spend an embarrassing amount of our waking hours using them. It has taken the place of a dedicated camera for lots of folks, but it’s not just our camera – it’s also our communication hub, media player, notepad, grocery list, bank, travel agent, the list goes on. How you like using it and how it feels in your hand should be given as much, if not more consideration than whether the camera scored three points higher than another.

    We’ll keep testing smartphone cameras so we can help inform your decision and point out where there’s still room for improvement. In the meantime, if you’re debating upgrading to a new phone and you’ve got an eye on the one with the ‘best camera,’ consider heading to a wireless retail store and see if that’s the one you like best as a phone. You’ll be glad that you did.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Composite timelapse combines Death Valley’s night sky with New York City’s streets

    In honor of International Dark Sky Week 2018—which will run from April 15th to the 21st—timelapse filmmakers Gavin Heffernan and Harun Mehmedinovic decided to create an interesting composite. Using their ample post-processing skills and footage they’d captured across the country, they replaced the light-polluted skies over New York City with long-exposure footage captured in pristine locations like Death Valley and Grand Canyon National Parks.

    The whole thing is part of the duo’s project Skyglow: an ongoing quest to raise awareness about and examine the dangers of light pollution. The project features a 192-page hardcover book and blu ray video series made up of footage and photos captured all over the United States, but it was also the impetus behind an inspiring series of Skyglow timelapses. The project began three years ago with another composite timelapse—in which they ‘darkened’ the skies over LA—so Heffernan and Mehmedinovic decided they would cross the country and do it again, this time in NYC, for Dark Sky Week 2018.

    You can learn more about the Skyglow Project at this link, watch the new New York City composite timelapse above, and scroll through some stills from the project below.

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    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • You will soon be able to download your entire photo archive from Instagram

    Currently, if you wanted to download all of your content from Instagram, you have no choice but to use a third party service like DownloadGram and 4K Stogram. Fortunately, that may not be the case for too much longer. In a statement to TechCrunch earlier this week, an Instagram spokesperson said:

    We are building a new data portability tool. You’ll soon be able to download a copy of what you’ve shared on Instagram, including your photos, videos and messages.

    It’s not known exactly how the tool will work or what other data will be available for download beyond your photos, but if Facebook’s Download Your Information tool is anything to go on, it’s likely you’ll be able to download most of your content and activity into a ZIP file.

    As noted by TechCrunch, if Instagram implements its new download tool before May 25th, it will ensure it’s in compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) privacy law, which requires organizations to let individuals download any data that’s been gathered on them. But there’s no guarantee Instagram will get the tool out in time.

    Regardless of when it happens, it’ll be nice to see an integrated tool for easily downloading your content, be it because you’re jumping to another platform or simply want to make an offline copy. It also means days are numbered for apps like DownloadGram.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Weekly Photography Challenge – Architecture

    Earlier I shared a few videos with images and tips for doing architecture photography, here.

    Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco.

    If you need some additional help with this one, check out these dPS articles:

    • 6 Helpful Tips for Doing Interior Architecture Photography
    • 4 Beginner Tips for Doing Architecture Photography
    • How to Create Stunning Architecture Photography by Painting with Light
    • Tips for Different Approaches to Architecture Photography
    • 6 Tips to Take Your Architecture Photography to the Next Level
    • How to Use a Tilt-Shift Lens Creatively and for Perspective Control

    Look for details and interesting lines and shapes in the architecture.

    Look for lighting that highlights the features or textures of the building.

    Weekly Photography Challenge – Architecture

    Simply upload your shot into the comment field (look for the little camera icon in the Disqus comments section) and they’ll get embedded for us all to see or if you’d prefer, upload them to your favorite photo-sharing site and leave the link to them. Show me your best images in this week’s challenge. Sometimes it takes a while for an image to appear so be patient and try not to post the same image twice.

    Share in the dPS Facebook Group

    You can also share your images in the dPS Facebook group as the challenge is posted there each week as well.

    Try a different camera angle by looking up!

    Look for interesting lighting and textures.

    Wait for all the elements to come together.

    The post Weekly Photography Challenge – Architecture appeared first on Digital Photography School.


    Digital Photography School

  • Report: Chinese company Xiaomi may purchase GoPro

    Chinese electronics company Xiaomi is considering an offer to buy action-cam makers GoPro, according to a report in The Information. This news follows GoPro’s January announcement that it would be exiting the market for drones in order to streamline business and become more profitable. At the same time, CEO Nick Woodman said in an interview with CNBC the company was open to a buy-out:

    If there are opportunities for us to unite with a bigger parent company to scale GoPro even bigger, that is something that we would look at.

    Details on the potential offer are sparse at this point in time, but the deal could be worth as much as $ 1 billion. Once valued at more than $ 10 billion, in its heyday GoPro was a success story in consumer electronics, but the company’s market capitalization has since fallen to about $ 761 million, mainly due to aggressive competition from China.

    According to analysts, a buyer could leverage GoPro’s brand and make profits through device sales. Xiaomi in particular could also use some of GoPro’s camera IP in the development of camera modules for its smartphones. That said, if the Chinese company does end up buying GoPro, we hope they won’t just use the brand name and patents, and will let GoPro action-cams live on.

    GoPro’s stock price has spiked 8.8 percent on the news.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The RedRock DigiBoom is a gimbal-stabilized camera boom

    Cinema and video accessory makers Redrock Micro have teamed up with Disney/ABC Television Group and Disney Research to design and develop the DigiBoom, a handheld gimbal-stabilized camera boom.

    The DigiBoom is targeted at solo operators and small production teams who want to add unusual angles and smoothly stabilized footage to news, sports, and event video productions. The DigiBoom lets you place the camera anywhere from ground level to more than 8 feet (243 cm) up; 12 feet (365 cm) with the optional extension.

    Redrock Micro says the DigiBoom is ideal for creating sweeping camera moves or unusual points of view. Key Features include complete control of operation and settings for both camera and gimbal from the grip, automated, manual, or hybrid control of camera aim and angle, and professional audio-connections and functions.

    Additionally, the device comes with a single power source for camera, DigiBoom, and accessories, and the option to use an external power input. A high-resolution display allows for full-time monitoring. DigiBoom can be used with a wide range of cameras and displays but Redrock Micro recommends the Blackmagic Video Assist and Micro Studio Camera 4K recorder and camera for best performance.

    The DigiBoom can be preordered for $ 500 on the Redrock Micro website, where you’ll also find additional product information. Target availability is Summer 2018.

    Press Release

    New DigiBoom Aims to Energize Location Shots, Breaking News, and Sports Footage

    New Hybrid Camera Rig from Redrock Micro and Disney ABC Television Group/ Disney Research Merges Best of Gimbal, Jib, Drone, and Handheld to Achieve Cinematic Moves and Impossible Camera Angles

    Dallas, TX and Hollywood, CA – Redrock Micro in collaboration with Disney/ ABC Television Group and Disney Research today announced DigiBoom® – a new gimbal-stabilized camera rig that merges the best of jib, gimbal, Steadicam®, drone, and handheld into a single highly mobile platform. DigiBoom is on display beginning today in the Redrock Micro and Blackmagic booths at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference in Las Vegas.

    DigiBoom pushes content above the competition. DigiBoom is used by solo operators and small production teams to add eye-popping shots and premium cinema-style feel to live and pre-recorded news, sports, and events. DigiBoom can place the camera from ground level to over 8 feet (up to 12 feet with the optional extension) and everywhere in between while the full-time powered gimbal keeps shots smooth and steady. Use DigiBoom to create sweeping camera moves or place cameras into unusual point-of-views for maximum visual impact, including:

    • Reach any target, move quickly, and get angles that were previously unimaginable
    • Extend the pole to get shots of the tallest on the court, a crowded field and even places where tripods or handheld aren?t practical. Use the optional 3 foot extension for even higher and truly epic views
    • Get in front of, above, below, or around any obstacles with total control of camera angle and position
    • Create dynamic and premium cinema-style shots with smooth gimbal stabilization that will have people saying “How did they do that?”

    Designed for Fast-Moving Productions and Small Crews

    Key Features

    DigiBoom is the only camera rig that delivers this wide range of creative shots while enabling full-time operator control over camera position and settings:

    • Versatility – that enables solo camera operators to be more productive and creative. The highly mobile rig means shots and angles can be easily improvised for breaking news or on-the-spot creative choices
    • Complete Control – of operation and settings for both camera and gimbal right
    • Dual Gimbal modes – for fully automated, fully manual, or hybrid control of camera aim and angle
    • Professional audio – including standard connectors and shielded wiring that is fully integrated into the DigiBoom for onboard camera audio, onboard mixer, or external sound mixer.
    • Professional power – with one power source for camera, DigiBoom, and accessories. Use the external power input for unlimited run time.
    • Full time monitoring – via the bright high resolution display mounted right where the operator needs it
    • Modular for many different setups – including jib, drone-like, Steadicam, and handheld all with one rig
    • Broadcast workflow and quality – whether live or pre-recorded, DigiBoom provides industry-standard video, audio and wireless with connectors and accessories
    • Minimal training – enables broadcast quality and delivery of totally unique content from day one

    Redrock’s Cinema and Video Product Expertise Brings DigiBoom to Life

    Redrock Micro has long been recognized as the premiere innovator for independent production equipment. Over the past decade, Redrock’s original designs and products have made high production value affordable and accessible for any budget level. DigiBoom joins Redrock’s existing family of over 400 rigs, automation, and camera accessories including the Eclipse™ the latest generation of networked camera-top accessories.

    “Redrock has empowered small crews and solo operators to punch above their weight class for over a decade,” said James Hurd, President of Redrock Microsystems. “DigiBoom represents this kind of leap forward for location news, sports, and events. When we first saw DigiBoom we recognized this spark of an idea. With Redrock’s product expertise and injection of Eclipse™ technology, we are now delivering a finished product that is ready for the demands of full-time professional production.”

    Powered by Technology from Disney

    Core DigiBoom technology and associated patents were developed by Disney/ABC Television Group and Disney Research, and licensed to Redrock Micro to bring DigiBoom to market. DigiBoom has been field tested and refined over the past two years in organizations including Disney/ABC, ABC News, Marvel, and continues to be widely used at ESPN for live and recorded sports coverage.

    “Over the past two years we have seen DigiBoom deliver tremendous value to Disney/ABC, ESPN and other subsidiaries within the Disney family,” said Anthony Accardo, Director, Research & Development, Disney/ABC Television Group. “Through our collaboration with Redrock, we are really pleased to see DigiBoom come to market and help elevate the state of the art for the industry.”

    “DigiBoom gives us a distinctive look – delivering high-quality, cinematic images in a portable and versatile package,” said Brian Kennedy, vice president, Global News Gathering Operations & Planning. “At the 2017 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., DigiBoom provided incredible images and was the perfect tool allowing us to be live inside the story. No other tool could have delivered this type of coverage.”

    “The Rose Bowl is one of the most beloved and most watched football contests in the US today,” said Lorenzo Lamadrid, ESPN Supervising Director, Rose Bowl. “Our use of DigiBoom for the 2018 Rose Bowl really enhanced the quality of the footage and sharpened the sense of ‘being right there in the action’ for our viewers. DigiBoom worked beautifully to create shots we couldn’t otherwise achieve.”

    “DigiBoom allowed our camera operator to access high traffic spaces and deliver angles that wouldn’t have been possible with a traditional camera,” said John Vasallo, Sr. Coordinating Producer for ESPN.

    Blackmagic Design Cameras Unlock DigiBoom’s Potential

    DigiBoom can be used with any appropriate camera and display. To get the most from DigiBoom, the preferred recorder and camera are the Blackmagic Video Assist and Micro Studio Camera 4K, the world’s smallest broadcast quality live production camera.

    The unique connectivity of the Micro Studio 4k Camera’s expansion port gives operators fingertip control over all camera functions directly from the DigiBoom handgrips. The Video Assist offers full-time operator monitoring, recording to internal SD cards and offering SDI pass-through for live broadcast.

    “Blackmagic Design’s mission is to empower creative people. When we saw what Redrock and Disney were creating with DigiBoom, we wanted to make sure they could get the most from Blackmagic cameras,” said Grant Petty, CEO and Founder of Blackmagic Design. “We worked together to expand the Micro Studio Camera 4K and designed it to be versatile. It is incredibly exciting to think about how much more creative camera operators will be with DigiBoom, and with the combined solution DigiBoom essentially becomes a single integrated experience for the operator.”

    Pricing and Availability

    DigiBoom target availability is Summer 2018 and pricing has not yet been announced. In addition to the standalone product, DigiBoom will also be available as a Deluxe Field Broadcast kit and includes the most popular DigiBoom accessories. DigiBoom will be available from Redrock direct and Redrock’s Worldwide Authorized Resellers.

    DigiBoom accessories and extensions

    • DigiBoom Jib adapter – mounts DigiBoom to your existing fluid head tripod for conversion to a more traditional jib
    • DigiBoom extension pole 3′ – extends DigiBoom for even higher shots while still retaining full operator control of gimbal and camera
    • DigiBoom body strap – supports the fulcrum of DigiBoom for additional support and easy operation
    • DigiBoom stand
    • DigiBoom hard case with fitted foam, ready for road and air travel

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: Tips for Doing Architecture Photography

    When you’re out and about walking around and shooting in the city, one of the most common things you can do is some architecture photography. The buildings don’t mind having their photo taken, they don’t move, and are interesting subjects to work with.

    Here are a few videos showcasing some architecture photography and tips for doing it.

    10 architecture images from COOPH

    In this video, we’ll get you inspired by looking at 10 stunning architecture shots from the COOPH community.

    Did you enjoy those images? Let’s dig into some tips now.

    Quick tips for architecture photography

    In this video, photographer Peter McKinnon puts two minutes on the clock. Then he gives you as many tips as he can get out in that time frame on shooting architecture.

    Lastly tips from Adorama TV

    Finally, here are some tips from Doug McKinlay to help you do better architectural photography. He talks about composition, what lenses to use, using a tripod, getting sharp images, and more in this video.

    ?

    Now it’s your turn. Do you have any additional tips for doing architecture photography to share with others? Please tell us in the comments area below.

    The post Video: Tips for Doing Architecture Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School.


    Digital Photography School

  • Harrowing image from Venezuela named 2018 World Press Photo of the Year (NSFW)

    Finalists for 2018 World Press Photo of the Year were announced in February; now, a winning photo has been selected. Ronaldo Schemidt’s image titled ‘Venezuela Crisis’ takes the top prize, chosen from six semi-finalists and 73,044 total contest entries.

    The image, displayed below, is disturbing and may not be suitable for children or viewing in the workplace. It depicts José Victor Salazar Balza on fire during a violent clash between police and protestors. He survived with first- and second-degree burns.

    Title: Venezuela Crisis
    © Ronaldo Schemidt, Agence France-Presse

    José Víctor Salazar Balza (28) catches fire amid violent clashes with riot police during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela.

    Schemidt’s image won first prize in the Spot News, Singles category. All winning images can be seen at the World Press Photo website.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: $7000 superzoom lens + DSLR compared to $35 smartphone lens

    NYC-based filmmaker Casey Neistat recently compared a $ 35 clip-on smartphone lens with a $ 7,000 DSLR (the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II to be precise) and superzoom lens. The results, to no one’s surprise, were not in the smartphone lens’ favor. However, Neistat expresses surprise at the (admittedly very minor) capabilities of the cheap lens, saying, “So, I very gently, very reluctantly, recommend this total piece of sh*t $ 35 lens because it sort of almost works.”

    That recommendation is given to potential buyers who need something to use with a smartphone. If a more capable lens and camera are within budget, the resulting content will benefit greatly from them, as the comparison screenshot below pretty clearly demonstrates:

    Via: PetaPixel

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fujifilm releases 1.4x teleconverter and macro extension tubes for GF system

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    Fujifilm is set to ship three new lens accessories for its medium format GF system.

    First is the GF 1.4X TC WR teleconverter, which is designed for the 250mm F4 R LM OIS WR lens also announced today. It boosts the 35mm equiv. focal range of that lens to 277mm, though the aperture increases by a stop. The teleconverter is weather-sealed and weighs in at 400g. It will be available in May for $ 849.95 USD / $ 1059.99 CAD.

    Next are a pair of macro extension tubes, which increase the magnification ratio of any of Fujifilm’s GF lens. The MCEX-18G WR is 18mm long while the MCEX-45G WR is 45mm. Both are weather-sealed and are priced at $ 329.99 USD / $ 409.99 CAD.

    Press Release:

    FUJIFILM INTRODUCES A NEW TELEPHOTO LENS FOR THE GFX MEDIUM FORMAT MIRRORLESS CAMERA SYSTEM

    The GFX System Expands with the New FUJINON GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR Lens, FUJINON GF1.4X TC WR Teleconverter and MCEX-18G WR and MCEX-45G WR Macro Extension Tubes;
    Firmware Updates for GFX, X-H1, X-T2, X-Pro2, X-E3 and X100F

    Valhalla, N.Y., April 12, 2018 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the launch of the FUJINON GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR, a lens that expands the telephoto range for the FUJIFILM GFX 50S medium format mirrorless digital camera system.

    When combined with the GFX medium format sized sensor with an area approximately 1.7 times larger than 35mm format, the GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR lens achieves exceptional image quality. Composed of 16 lenses in 10 groups, this lens delivers unsurpassed color reproduction, three dimensional image quality, as well as ultra-high resolution and rich bokeh.

    In addition, this telephoto lens is equipped with a powerful five-stop optical image stabilization and a new focus preset function, which allows the photographer to instantly activate focus settings previously saved in the lens memory. With a rugged, lightweight magnesium alloy lens barrel designed to be dust and weather-resistant, the GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR is capable of operating in temperatures as low as 14°F/-10°C. The front lens element has a fluorine coating designed to repel water and dirt even under tough outdoor conditions.

    FUJINON GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR Lens Key Features:

    • Ultra-high image quality achieved with16 lenses in 10 groups, 1 super ED lens and 2 ED lenses.
    • Powerful five-stop optical image stabilization to maximize high image resolution.
    • Silent, high-speed autofocus operation and new mechanism to fix linear motor position. when turning power off or when in playback mode. Available with new GFX 50S firmware.
    • Made with magnesium alloy, ensuring a robust, durable body.
    • Dust and weather-resistant design capable of operating in temperatures as low as 14°F/-10°C.

    FUJINON Teleconverter GF1.4X TC WR

    The new FUJINON Teleconverter GF1.4X TC WR is designed for use with the new GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR giving approximately 277mm in 35mm format equivalent, without compromising image quality.

    MCEX-18G WR and MCEX-45G WR Macro Extension Tubes

    The MCEX-18G WR and MCEX-45G WR Macro Extension Tubes further expand the range of macro photography. Connecting these macro extension tubes to GF lenses allows for images to be captured at high magnification ratio. The MCEX-18G WR and MCEX-45G WR Macro Extension Tubes are compatible with all existing GF lenses.

    Availability and Pricing

    The new FUJINON GF250mmF4 R LM OIS WR lens will be available in Late May 2018 for USD $ 3,299.95 and CAD $ 4,124.99. The FUJINON Teleconverter GF1.4X TC WR will be available in Late May 2018 for USD $ 849.95 and CAD $ 1,059.99 and Macro Extension Tubes, MCEX-18G WR and MCEX-45G WR will both be available in Late May 2018 for USD $ 329.99 and CAD $ 409.99.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)