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Venus Optics unveils Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D and 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro lenses
Venus Optics, the company behind the Laowa line of lenses, has announced two new lenses through Japanese parent company Sightron. The first is the Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D, a ‘zero distortion’ wide-angle prime for mirrorless APS-C cameras. The second is another strange full-frame macro lens: the Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro.

Neither of these lenses have appeared on Venus Optics’ English language website just yet, but we expect them to pop up soon. In the meantime, here’s what we know about the new glass.

Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D

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The long-rumored Venus Optics Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D is an wide-angle prime designed for mirrorless APS-C cameras—specifically, the Sony E, Fuji X, and Canon EF-M mounts. With its 113° angle of view, Venus Optics claims this lens is the widest angle F2.8 lens currently available for APS-C cameras.

Inside, you’ll find 15 lens elements in 10 groups—including three low dispersion elements and two aspherical elements—that attempt to reduce distortion to ‘zero’ (or as close to it as Venus Optics could manage). You’ve also got a 7-blade aperture and a metal construction that promises “excellent robustness and luxury.”

The lens is scheduled to arrive in April, but price for this one is still TBD.

Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro

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Slightly more defined—and lots more weird—is the Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro lens for full-frame cameras. Specifically, you’ll find this one in the Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony FE mounts when it, too, ships in April.

At its closest, the lens offers 5x magnification, using an optical design of 8 elements in 6 groups—including an ultra low dispersion lens and multilayer coating on each element—to deliver a working distance of just 40mm at 5x.

Here’s a full review of the newly announce lens by YouTuber Photos by Richard (sample photos available on his website).

Like the 9mm F2.8 Zero-D, the 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro also ‘adopts a metal enclosure,’ and is scheduled to ship in April. Venus Optics hasn’t announced pricing yet, but according to Photo Rumors, the lens will cost $ 400 in the US.

To learn more about either of these lenses, check out both Google Translated press releases below.

Press Release
LAOWA 9mm F2.8 Zero-D

SiteLong Japan Co., Ltd. announces the new product “LAOWA 9mm F2.8 Zero-D” of LAOWA (Venus Optics).

Product Overview
- Product name LAOWA 9mm F2.8 Zero-D
- Suggested retail price Open price
- Expected market price TBD
- Scheduled release date around early April 2018
Main Product Features
- This product is the best lens for photographing landscape photographs, architectural photographs, interior photographs, star photographs and so on.
- Use 3 special low dispersion lens (ED lens) and 2 glass aspheric lenses luxuriously. By adopting an optical design with extremely reduced distortion to zero, it is possible to capture landscape photographs and architectural photographs without the influence of distortion.
- It is the widest angle lens (113 °) lens among the wide-angle lenses for APS-C cameras of the open F 2.8 which are on sale now.*
- It adopts metal enclosure with excellent robustness and luxury. Effective flower type hood is attached.
- This product is the brightest, the most compact and lightweight lens among the same class products. Because it is very convenient to carry, it is also ideal for daily snapshot.
*As of February 1, 2018 VenusOptics examined

Main Specifications
- Focal length: 9mm
- Maximum F value: F2.8
- Viewing angle: 113 degrees (corresponding format: APS-C)
- Lens construction: 10 groups of 15
- Number of diaphragm blades: 7
- Shortest shooting distance: 12 cm
- Maximum magnification: 0.13 times
- Filter diameter: ? 49 mm
- Weight: ~ 215g* Variable depending on mount
- Corresponding mount: FUJIFILM X, Canon EF-M, Sony E
*Product specifications are subject to change without notice due to improvements etc.

LAOWA 25mm F2.8 2.5-5X ULTRA MACRO

SiteLong Japan Co., Ltd. announces the new product “LAOWA 25 mm F 2.8 2.5-5 X ULTRA MACRO” of LAOWA (Venus Optics). LAOWA 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x ULTRA MACRO is a macro exclusive lens with a magnification of 2.5x to 5x.

Product Overview
- Product name LAOWA 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x ULTRA MACRO
- Suggested retail price Open price
- Expected market price TBD
- Scheduled release date around early April 2018
Main Product Features
- It is a macro lens for full size of manual focus.
- The shortest shooting distance is 173 to 223.5mm and shooting magnification 2.5 to 5 times is available.
- It is possible to secure a working distance of 40mm (5 times) to 45mm (2.5 times) by optical design with a special configuration. It can correspond to various lighting to obtain better shooting result.
- By adopting ultra low dispersion lens (UD lens), by appropriately suppressing chromatic aberration and color fringe, it is possible to capture images with high sharpness and high color reproducibility.
- Each lens is coated with multilayer coating, minimizing ghost and flare. Therefore, under a strong light source, it is possible to take pictures with a very high contrast and neutral color.
- Adopting a metal enclosure with excellent robustness.
- It is compact, lightweight and excellent in portability.
Main specifications
- Focal length: 25mm
- Open F value: F2.8
- Field of View: 10.3 degrees
- Lens construction: 6 groups 8 pieces
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum photographing distance: 173 mm to 223.5mm
- Working Distance: 40mm – 45mm
- Shooting magnification: 2.5 times to 5 times
- Number of diaphragm blade: 8
- Weight: 400g
- Corresponding mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony FE
*Product specifications are subject to change without notice due to improvements etc.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
February 26, 2018
Sony is working on high-sensitivity dual-camera setup

If you were hoping for the new Sony Xperia XZ2 models to feature a dual-camera setup, you were disappointed. Sony is by far the largest maker of image sensors but the Japanese manufacturer’s own smartphone models still have to make do without the dual-cam technology that has almost become a standard on high-end devices.

That said, there is a good chance the wait for a Sony-branded dual-camera smartphone might be worth it. Sony executives told us the company was working on a dual-camera solution that would allow for low light shooting with ultra-high sensitivities – ISO 51200 in stills mode and ISO 12800 for video.

A test scene with extremely low illumination inside a black box is used to demonstrate the performance of the the dual-cam prototype (top) compared to a current model (bottom).

No further technical detail was provided at this point but given the camera module will be powered by a new “Fusion” Image Signal Processor, it’s fair to assume the high sensitivities will be achieved by some kind of computational imaging process, merging image data captured simultaneously on the two sensors of the dual-camera.

This is not a totally new concept – for example Huawei is merging image data from an RGB and a monochrome sensor on some of its dual-camera models – but given Sony’s bold high ISO claims there is a good chance its engineers have found another secret ingredient to boost performance to new levels.

Sony claims the new system is pushing smartphone low light performance into ILC territory.

A low-light demo setup behind the scenes at the Sony booth shows that the new system is capable of capturing good exposures in extremely dim lighting. Given Sony’s typical announcement cycles, we’ll probably have to wait around 6 months (i.e. until IFA in September) to see how the system performs in a production device but it’s definitely something to look forward to.

The Fusion ISP is an essential component in Sony’s upcoming low-light dual-camera setup.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 26, 2018
Sony Xperia XZ2 brings 4K HDR video to smartphones

Sony Mobile’s contribution to the Mobile World Congress 2018 comes in the shape of the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact smartphones. With a 1/2.3″ 19MP image sensor and F2.0 aperture the basic camera specs remain unchanged from the predecessors, but the cameras in the new models offer a couple of improvements that will be especially welcome by mobile videographers.

The Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact are the first smartphones capable of recording 4K HDR video footage, using the Hybrid-Log-Gamma (HLG) standard. This means 4K HDR clips shot on the XZ2 will be playable on most HDR-capable TVs and can be processed by Youtube.

The phones are capable of processing the massive amounts of data that is recorded for HDR video thanks to a built-in DRAM buffer in the imaging chip. The same technology also helps drive Sony’s motion-eye super-slow-motion mode that was first introduced last year. The 2017 Sony flagships could record 960 frames per second at HD resolution for 0.2 seconds, resulting in 6 seconds of playback time – the same as on the brand new Samsung Galaxy S9.

The new models come with an 18:9 aspect ratio display.

On the new XZ2 Sony has taken things one step further and offers the same frame rates at 1080p Full-HD resolution. On the downside, recording time is cut in half, to 0.1 seconds, resulting in 3 seconds of playback time. Super-slow-motion clips can be embedded in standard video, though, so there is plenty of opportunity to get creative with the super-fast frame rates.

Both new devices are powered by Qualcomm’s latest top-end chipset, the Snapdragon 845 and come with Full-HD displays with 18:9 aspect ratio – 5.7″ in size on the XZ2 and 5″ on the Compact model. The latter remains pretty much the only option in the market that combines a compact form factor with high-end performance.

The Xperia XZ2 (left) next to its smaller cousin Xperia XZ2 Compact

Apart from display size the XZ2 and XZ2 Compact differ in several ways: the smaller model does not offer Qi wireless charging nor the new Dynamic Vibration function that translates sound, for example when watching videos or playing a game, into vibrations for a more immersive media consumption experience. It also comes with a smaller battery (2870 mAh vs 3180 mAh) than its larger cousin.

More information on the new Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact is available on the Sony website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 26, 2018
Canon announces EOS M50 with 24MP sensor, 4K video and built-in EVF
Canon has taken the wraps off the EOS M50, a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera that’s the first in the company’s M-series to offer 4K video capture. It uses a 24MP APS-C sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus, a new Digic 8 processor and unlike its M100 sibling, provides a built-in electronic viewfinder.

Read our Canon EOS M50
First Impressions

The M50 is also the first camera to offer a new CR3 Raw format. It provides a standard “image quality priority” Raw setting as well as a “size priority” C-Raw that produces up to 50% smaller files with the same resolution, albeit with a slight drop in image quality.

Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth are also included, enabling a new option to automatically transfer images from the camera to a smartphone after each shot. The M50’s updated processor makes 1080/120p high frame rate video possible, and UHD 4K recording is available at 24p. Unfortunately, 4K also imposes a significant 1.6x crop and Dual Pixel isn’t available.

The camera’s 2.36 million-dot OLED EVF complements a 1.04 million-dot fully articulated touchscreen. With focus locked the M50 will shoot up to 10 fps; 7.4fps shooting is available in C-AF.

Dual Pixel autofocus provides improved coverage with certain lenses, including the EF-M 55-200mm, EF-M 18-150mm and EF-M 28mm F3.5. With one of these lenses attached, the M50 gives 88% horizontal and 100% vertical sensor coverage and up to 143 AF points. A large number of EF and EF-S lenses will also give the same level of AF coverage, while other M-mount and EF/EF-S lenses will offer up to 99 AF points and 80% horizontal/80% vertical coverage.

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The Canon EOS M50 will be available in April for $ 780 body-only. It will also be bundled with an EF-M 15-45mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM for $ 900; a kit with 15-45mm and 55-200mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM will cost $ 1250.
WANT TO UP YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY GAME? NEXT GENERATION OF EOS CAMERAS FROM CANON BRING IMAGE QUALITY UP A NOTCH

New Additions to the Canon EOS Family include EOS M50 and EOS Rebel T7

MELVILLE, N.Y., February 25, 2018 – Upgrading from a smartphone camera to an entry-level interchangeable lens camera (ILC) can be considered to some people a daunting task. Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, supports those looking to advance their skills by continuously developing and evolving its gear. Today, the company announced their latest additions to its all-encompassing lineup of digital cameras: the EOS M50 Interchangeable Lens Camera, the first Canon EOS M-series camera with 4K video recording which is four-times the size of full HD 1080, and the EOS Rebel T7, the latest addition to the wildly popular EOS Rebel line of entry-level DSLR Cameras, with an upgraded CMOS sensor to deliver sharp, high-resolution images to capture life’s key moments.

For photographers actively seeking to upgrade their skills, the EOS M50 is an all-around, entry-level camera with an extensive list of user-friendly features that encourages users to broaden their creative visions. Providing improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor resulting in less noise and high definition in low-light situations, and the capability of recording 4K video, the EOS M50 will capture crisp, photographic expressions in various situations.

“Our core goal when developing new entry-level interchangeable lens cameras for our consumers is to meld high-quality features and usability together. In listening to our customers, we believe we have achieved this goal with both the EOS M50 and EOS Rebel T7, ” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “With enhanced features for photographers of all skill levels to enjoy, both cameras demonstrate Canon’s commitment to developing and manufacturing best-in-class quality imaging solutions.”

Additional features of the EOS M50 include:
- New DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- HD 120p High-frame video rate
- Built-in OLED Electronic Viewfinder with Touch and Drag Autofocus
- Vari-Angle LCD touchscreen
- Wi-Fi*, NFC** and Bluetooth connectivity***
- Automatic image transfer to compatible devices while shooting*
- New Silent Mode
The EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera, featuring an upgraded CMOS sensor of 24.1 megapixel resolution, is the successor to the EOS Rebel T6. Offering easy sharing of high-quality photos and videos on social media sites, the EOS Rebel T7 provides continuous shooting up to 3.0 frames per second (fps), a nine-point autofocus system and a three-inch LCD monitor, offering users a multitude of options to capture and share life’s important moments.

Additional features of the EOS Rebel T7 include:
- Built-In Wi-Fi* and NFC** connectivity
- Scene Intelligent Auto Mode
- Optical View Finder
For an additional cost, both products are also eligible for the reliable protection of CarePAK PLUS, Canon’s optional service plan, which includes accidental damage protection and Image Recovery, designed to retrieve irreplaceable images or videos otherwise lost or corrupted. CarePAK PLUS, along with all Canon camera service plans, is performed exclusively by Canon’s renowned service and support team.

The Canon EOS M50 is scheduled to be available in April 2018 for an estimated retail price of $ 779.99^ for the body only. The EOS M50 will also be available with the EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens in both black and white for an estimated retail price of $ 899.99^. Additionally, the EOS M50 will be sold with the EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM and the EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM in black only for an estimated retail price of $ 1,249.00^. A Video Creator Kit will also be available for the EOS M50 for an estimated retail price of $ 999.99^.

The EOS Rebel T7 is scheduled to be available in April 2018, and will be sold as a lens-and-body kit with the EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS II for an estimated retail price of $ 549.99^.
For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

*Compatible with iOS® versions 9.3/10.3, Android™ smartphone and tablet versions 4.4/5.0/5.1/6.0/7.0/7.1. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.
**Compatible with Android™ smartphone and tablet versions 4.4/5.0/5.1/6.0/7.0/7.1.
***Compatible with select smartphone and tablet devices (Android™ version 5.0 or later and the following iOS® devices: iPhone 4s or later, iPad 3rd gen. or later, iPod Touch 5th gen. or later) equipped with Bluetooth® version 4.0 or later and the Camera Connect. ^ Availability, prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
February 26, 2018

Canon EOS M50 first impressions review

Introduction

The Canon EOS M50 is an entry-level mirrorless camera sporting an electronic viewfinder, fully articulating touchscreen, single control dial and 24MP APS-C sensor – the same used by its M-series siblings. It has Canon’s latest DIGIC 8 processor and offers expanded Dual Pixel AF coverage, 4K/24p video capture (1.6x crop) as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC.

In a lot of ways it’s a beefier, viewfinder-sporting M100, the brand’s most affordable M-mount offering. And it will likely appeal to the same crowd: beginners and/or those stepping up from a smartphone as their primary photography device. Unlike the M100, the M50 has Canon’s Guide Modes, like those found on the SL2 and T7i. But what’s really exciting about the M50 is that it’s an indicator of what’s down the road for the rest of the M and Rebel series.

Key Features:

24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
Dual Pixel autofocus for stills and video
DIGIC 8 processor
2.36M-dot OLED EVF
1.04M-dot vari-angle LCD
7.4 fps burst in AF-C (10 fps in AF-S)
4K/24p UHD video (1.6 x crop)
1080/60p and 720/120p HD video
Wi-Fi and NFC with Bluetooth
235 shot-per-charge battery live (via CIPA)

One year ago, we met with Canon executives in Yokohama, Japan – you can read the full interview here. At the time, they promised the brand’s main strategic focus going forward would be connectivity and video. The M50 is a clear indication that Canon is making good on that promise. This is the first Canon camera that will automatically send photos to your smartphone after each shot and the first M-series to offer 4K. But before you get too excited about that latter bit, it’s worth noting that 4K comes with a heavy 1.6x crop, and Dual Pixel AF is not available in 4K (contrast detection AF is available).

Dual Pixel AF can be used in all other video modes, including 1080/60p. It still covers 80% x 80% of the sensor but now with 99 selectable points (up from 49 on previous M cameras). And with certain lenses (18-150mm, 28mm macro and 55-200mm) that coverage increases to 88% x 100% with 143 points.

The M50 is the first Canon to use the new CR3 Raw format, which has an updated compression option called C-Raw (compressed full resolution, rather than the downsized ‘Small’ and ‘Medium’ Raw formats).

Other new features include an Eye Detection mode, only available in AF-S, as well as a new silent scene mode. It also has a new gyro sensor that communicates movement to the lens-based IS system for better shake compensation, as well as dual Sensing IS (using data from the image sensor to compensate for shake when shooting stills or video).

Compared to…

Though the M50 is an entry-level camera, it’s priced a bit higher than a lot of other entry-level offerings. Below we’ve compared it to some of its Canon peers as well as similar-priced mirrorless cameras.

	Canon M50	Canon M100	Canon M6	Panasonic G85	Sony a6300	Fujifilm X-T20
MSRP w/lens	$ 900	$ 600	$ 900	$ 1000	$ 1150	$ 1000
Resolution	24MP	24MP	24MP	16MP	24MP	24MP
Sensor size	APS-C	APS-C	APS-C	Four Thirds	APS-C	APS-C
Stabilization	Lens IS + digital	Lens IS	Lens IS	Sensor + lens IS	Lens IS	Lens IS
EVF	2.36M-dot	No	No	2.36M-dot equiv (field sequential)	2.36M-dot	2.36M-dot
AF system (live view)	Dual Pixel	Dual Pixel	Dual Pixel	Depth from Defocus	Hybrid AF w/425 PDAF points	Hybrid AF w/91PDAF points
LCD	3″ fully-articulating	3″ tilting	3″ tilting	3″ fully-articulating	3″ tilting	3″ tilting
Number of control dials	1 top	1 top	2 top, 1 rear	2 top	1 top, 1 rear	2 top + shutter speed, exp. comp. dial
Touchscreen	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Burst speed (AF locked)	10 fps	6.1 fps	9 fps	9 fps	11 fps	14 fps
Video	4K/24p	1080/60p	1080/60p	4K/30p	4K/30p	4K/30p
Wireless	Wi-Fi + NFC + BT	Wi-Fi + NFC + BT	Wi-Fi + NFC + BT	WiFi	WiFi + NFC	WiFi
Battery life	235 shots	295 shots	295 shots	320 shots	400 shots	350 shots
Dimensions (mm)	116x88x59	108x67x35	112x68x45	128x89x74	120x67x49	118x83x41
Weight	351 g	302 g	343 g	453 g	404 g	383 g

As you can see, it stacks up quite nicely compared to other offerings at this price point, though battery life is the one area it falls behind a bit.

Pricing and availability

The Canon EOS M50 will be available in April for $ 780 body-only in either black or white. It also ships in a variety of kits, including with the EF-M 15-45mm for $ 900, as well as with both the EF-M 15-45mm and EF-M 55-200mm for $ 1250.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 26, 2018

Samsung unveils Galaxy S9 with variable aperture and super-slow-motion

Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy S series flagship phones, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona today and the new devices’ cameras deliver what Samsung’s teaser videos had been promising: Variable aperture, super-slow-motion and AR emojis.

The main camera features an aperture that can switch between F1.5 for low light shooting and F2.4 in brighter light. The new aperture system is coupled with a 12MP “Super Speed” sensor that features an integrated DRAM module for more processing power when using computational imaging to reduce noise and increase image detail.

The additional processing power also comes in handy for the new super-slow-motion mode. Like recent high-end Sony Xperia models, the Galaxy S9 devices can record HD video at 960 frames per second for 0.2 seconds. That translates into 6 seconds playback time at 30 frames per second. Slow-motion videos can be converted into gifs or set as background videos on the home screen.

The new AR Emoji function allows you to create and personalize emojis based on your own face, using the front camera. In a second step emojis can be animated using facial expressions. You can save up to 18 AR emojis and share them with users of any smartphone, not just Samsung models.

New features aside, the camera specs haven’t changed too much compared to existing models. The main camera features optical image stabilization and a Dual-Pixel AF. The Galaxy S9+ comes with a secondary tele-lens, similar to what we’ve seen on the Galaxy Note 8, allowing for better-quality zooming and a bokeh mode. The longer lens comes with optical image stabilization and an F2.4 aperture. The front camera on both models combines an 8MP pixel count with a fast F1.7 aperture.

Camera aside, the main difference between the two new models is display size. The Galaxy S9 comes with a 5.77″ AMOLED display, the S9+ equivalent is a little larger at 6.22″. Both screens offer WQHD resolution.

Both models come with a microSD card slot and a headphone jack and are powered by Samsung’s Exynos 9 Series 9810 Octa Core chipset. In the Euro-zone the Galaxy S9 with 64GB of storage will be available from March for 850 Euros (approximately USD 1045). The S9+ is 100 Euros (approximately USD 120)more. No details on pricing in other regions have been released yet.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 26, 2018
Nokia 8 Sirocco features 2x optical zoom and Carl Zeiss optics

HMD Global has today launched the Nokia 8 Sirocco. The Sirocco is the new top-end model in the Nokia line-up and comes with a range of improvements over the original Nokia 8 which was only unveiled to the public in September 2017.

The most important change has arguably taken place in the camera module. Where the old model combined an RGB with a monochrome sensor in its dual-camera setup, the Sirocco comes with a secondary tele-lens instead. The main camera features a 12 MP sensor with 1.4 µm pixel size and an F1.75 aperture. The tele lens offers a 2x optical zoom and has a 13MP pixel count and smaller 1.0 µm pixels. At F2.6 the aperture is slower as well.

Dual-pixel AF is on board, too, and, as before, the camera optics have been co-developed in cooperation with Carl Zeiss.

The Nokia 8 Sirocco is built for rough conditions. Its front and back are 95% covered by durable Gorilla Glass 5 and HMD Global says the metal body, which is hand-milled from stainless steel, is a lot tougher than its aluminum counter parts. The device is also water and dust resistant (IP67 certified).

Like the original 8, the Sirocoo is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 chipset and 6GB of RAM. 128GB of storage can be expanded via a microSD slot. The display has grown from 5.3″ to 5.5″ and uses now AMOLED technology rather than IPS, but the QHD resolution has remained unchanged.

The Nokia 8 Sirocco will be available in Europe from April for 750 Euros (approximately USD 920). Pricing for other regions has not been announced yet.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 26, 2018
How to Refresh Your Creativity by Shooting Digital with a Film Mindset

There exists a strange and long standing line drawn in the weird sands of the photo world. On one side of that line you have those who shoot only digital images and on the other, you have those who still swear by analog film. Then there’s a hazy gray area (probably 18% gray) where people like myself reside.

Do you shoot film or digital? Seeing as this is Digital Photography School, I assume the answer to that question likely leans towards the latter. I started out on my photographic journey with a 35mm SLR, then moved to a DSLR and mirrorless, until I now strike a weighted balance between digital and large format film photography.

Why am I telling you all of this? The reason is simple; we all want to make better images and we all want to grow as photographers.

Stay with me here….Consider for a moment that instead of choosing sides on that imaginary line between film and digital photography, while pointing out the perceived benefits of digital over film, that there are many lessons to be learned from the film shooter’s mindset.

In this article, we’re going to look at some ways shooting film, or at least with the mentality of film, can help you with your digital photography skills. And no I won’t try to persuade you to jump from one side of the line to the other.

Shoot like it isn’t free

If there’s one thing that has both illuminated the field of digital photography while at the same time stamping out the classical mental focus involved in the craft it is this…

This little piece of plastic and silicon cost me about $ 13 and holds well over a 1000 images when used in my 36.4-megapixel camera. That’s a lot of photographs. What’s more is that it doesn’t end there. I can hypothetically erase and reuse this contraption an unlimited number of times.

My camera will wear out (knock on wood) before this memory card does. Now, compare that memory card to this:

This is a box of one of the 4×5 sheet films that I use with my large format camera. It cost me around $ 40 after it was all said and done. That’s 25 sheets of film that I will have to load into holders under complete darkness, put into my view camera, expose for about $ 1.60 each, and then bring back home to develop in my darkroom. And that’s just the first phase.

If I want to print images from those negatives I have to either scan them into the computer or print them myself in the darkroom using light-sensitive paper and even more chemicals and equipment.

Which causes more pause before shooting?

So, here we have two entirely different mediums to record what is essentially the same thing. Which one do you think I am more careful with when shooting? The $ 40 box of film or the $ 13 memory card?

If I make a mistake in exposure, composition, or anything else when I’m shooting digital there is virtually instant feedback and the error usually costs nothing. With film, the result is hidden and any “Uh-ohs!” are only evident after the fact.

I urge you to shoot as deliberately as possible when using your digital camera. Sure, even a well thought out photo can go bad regardless of planning but the more you think about what you’re doing the fewer variables there are in the equation.

Pay attention to what you’re shooting and why. Photograph as if every frame costs you money and I promise that you will begin seeing better results with your digital photos.

Choose an ISO and stick to it

Something that we take for granted with digital photography is the quick application of ISO changes. Usually, a prompt turn of a dial can take you from ISO 100 to ISO 6400 and back again in a few seconds.

This is not a bad thing. Changing ISO on a digital camera opens up astounding creative possibilities and lets you get shots you would have otherwise missed when the light changes suddenly.

That being said, it can also spoil us to the point where we crank up the ISO at times when we might possibly find more creative alternatives. Try this to practice – choose an ISO for the day and shoot at only that ISO setting.

Granted, I wouldn’t try this on a wedding shoot…but go out with your camera set to say, ISO 400, and force yourself to think through difficult lighting conditions. You might find you gain a better understanding of the relationships between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO that will help you immensely in the future.

Make a set number of exposures

Before I moved into digital photography I used 35mm film. Most rolls were of the twenty-four exposure variety with some being extended to thirty-six. That seems like a million frames when compared to the two sheets carried in each large format film holder or the eight with my Polaroid SX70.

As much as I love my film cameras, I still use digital for over 80% of my “professional” work. Each time I switch back and forth between film and digital I notice a strange change in the way I shoot particular scenes. It goes back to our first point about how film actually costs money with each click of the shutter.

I tend to essentially overshoot a scene with digital. I may take 10 or 12 images of a frame whereas with film I might only make one or two. Why is that? When you think about it, making consistently solid photographs isn’t a matter of firing off a bunch of frames and hoping for the best, though that does work sometimes. Usually, the best images come from the careful execution of each snap and with film you only have a certain number of those snaps in the bank before you have to change things out.

In an effort to strive for quality over quantity with your digital work, begin thinking in terms of keeping your shot count for a scene in the single digits. No, of course I’m not saying to sell your digital camera short and only shoot 20 or 30 photos at a time all the time.

What I’m suggesting is that you limit yourself to a focused group of purposed photographs instead of firing off a hoard of shots and hoping for the best. Try to shoot no more than 10 images of the same scene and then move on to something else. Make 10 images of that, and then move on again. The key outcome of this exercise is to train (or retrain) yourself to produce a smaller number of total images but a larger amount of usable ones or keepers.

Some final thoughts…

The real conclusion and the true lesson to be gained from all this is for you to learn how to become more deliberate with your photography. Use your camera with purpose, and most importantly remember to slow yourself down from time to time. Slowing down is key.

Being both a film and digital photographer I find the complete flop of my creative mindset changes drastically between the two mediums. Obviously, digital cameras have extraordinary capabilities and offer many benefits over their analog cousins. At the same time, the true nature of photography can be lost when we suddenly find ourselves with limitless shooting capabilities that are often only capped by a camera’s battery life and our own enthusiasm.

Try putting some of these lessons from the world of film to use the next time you find yourself deleting more and more images and finding fewer quality pictures. It just might be that you begin shooting better and get more enjoyment from your digital photography.

The post How to Refresh Your Creativity by Shooting Digital with a Film Mindset by Adam Welch appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School

February 26, 2018
Huawei launches MediaPad M5 Pro tablet with M-Pen

There won’t be a new flagship smartphone from Huawei at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this year (the P20, which is rumored to come with a triple-camera, will be launched on the 27th of March). However, the Chinese device maker has just launched a number of new tablets, including the MediaPad M5 Pro which looks like a potentially interesting option for image editing on the go.

The M5 Pro will be available with a 8.4″ or 10.8″ IPS display. Both screens feature a 2560 x 1600 2K resolution and a screen/body ratio of 82%. On top of that the larger version comes with the M-Pen stylus which supports tilting and shading and offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. Huawei says the M-Pen is ideal for note-taking and image editing alike.

If that’s true will largely depend on support for the pen in third-party apps. Huawei has not provided any information on this topic yet. In addition a full-size keyboard that is connected via Pogo Pins in combination with a Desktop View mode allow for a PC-like working experience.

In any case, the MediaPad M5 Pro looks like a capable and attractively designed Android tablet all around. The 8.4″ version comes with two speakers, the larger model offers a quad-speaker setup and a surround-sound option which has been co-developed with Harman-Kardon. Hi-Res audio is supported when listening through headphones.

The Android OS and Huawei’s EMUI 8.0 UI are powered by a Kirin 960 Series processor and a 5,100 mAh battery in the smaller model and 7,500 mAh variant in the 10.8″ version – both supporting quick-charge – should provide plenty of battery life. The MediaPad M5 Pro will be available in Champagne Gold and Space Gray. Pricing ranges from 500 Euros (approximately USD 615) for the Wi-Fi version with 64GB memory to 600 Euros (approximately USD 735) for the 128GB LTE model.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 25, 2018
Which Street Photography Lens is Right for You?
The correct lens for the correct photo is a debate often heard among many photographers. In this article, you’ll see the various merits of three different street photography lenses. The 50mm lens is often thought of as the perfect lens for street photography, perhaps even the only one.

Using different focal lengths can dramatically change the type of photos you take, though. So let’s take a look at which street photography lens might be right for you!

This photo was taken at 135mm. There is still plenty of context in this scene, even at the longer focal length.

Wide-angle to get in close

This class of lens is usually thought of as a landscape, or architecture photography lens. That may be true, though using it for street photography is equally valid. So why might you use a wide-angle lens in your street photography work?
- Get close – That famous Robert Capa quote that I’m sure you’ve seen, “If your pictures are not good enough, you’re not close enough.” Well, when you use a wide-angle lens for street photography you’ll have to get close. This will get you closer to the action and will lead to the following.
- Tell more story – Capturing a wider scene will allow more context to come into your photo. If you can avoid the photograph becoming too cluttered, and you retain a clear focus on the main subject you will likely have a great photo.
- Interaction – Getting close to your subject means interacting with your subject, most likely a person. They’ll now know you’re taking their photo. How you use this to your advantage depends on you. Building a positive relationship with your subject will enhance your photo, even if that relationship is short.
This photo required a wide-angle lens to capture the whole scene. It was photographed at 17mm, and I was close to the people I captured in the image.

The nifty fifty, the classic street photography lens

The icon of street photography, it really is one of the best lenses out there. There are several different options for this lens along with the more expensive variety having a larger aperture. What makes the 50mm lens such a good choice for street photography then?
- Normal field of view – This lens gives you a field of view that’s close to what your eyes see, a trait desirable for street photos. So you’re not dealing with a distorted view when using this type of lens. This assumes you’re using a full frame camera, crop sensors will give you a longer focal length of around 75mm on a 50mm lens.
- The Depth of Field – As a prime lens with a fixed focal length these lenses have a large aperture of at least f/1.8. This allows you to create a shallow depth of field, and to blur out the background. This control can really help you take better street photos when it is applied well.
- Comfortable distance – With this lens you’ll be close to your subject, but not in their face. A 50mm will also include enough of the surrounding scene to allow context in your photo.
- Fast lens – This lens can be used in low light conditions. The combination of a wide aperture and mid-range focal length make this a fast lens and a good option to use at night.
There’s no getting away from it, the 50mm lens is GREAT for street photography.

Long focal length for the unobtrusive photographer

At the longer focal lengths, you’ll be positioned farther from your subject, far enough that they may not spot you taking their photo. This type of lens is the choice of the paparazzi, although it’s unlikely you’ll be using a lens with the same kind of focal lengths (really long!).

So what are the advantages of standing a bit further back?
- Capture the moment – When the person you’re photographing is oblivious to your presence, the chance of the moment being natural is a lot higher.
- Compress the scene – This allows you to focus much more on the subject, but the risk is that you don’t include the area around them so you lose some of the story. It’s still possible to provide context at longer focal lengths, you will just have to stand even farther back.
- Avoid confrontation – Not everyone wants their photo taken, and photos taken without permission can cause a confrontation if you’re caught. While it’s better to build a relationship with the person you want to photograph, sometimes what they don’t know won’t hurt them. In this case, using a longer telephoto lens allows you to get the photo, without causing a scene.
This photo was taken using a 135mm lens. You can see the street vendor preparing food, the outside scene isn’t visible though.

Extra tip

When taking street photos with a long focal length you can sometimes take advantage of a shard of light. This will typically happen when there is a gap in the roof, perhaps in a market. Underexpose your photo at -2 or even -3 EV, with just enough exposure to give detail to your subject, but make the rest of the photo black. This will give some minimalism to your photo, which is a nice effect.

This image was photographed at 180mm, on a camera with a crop factor of 1.6x. The shard of light was used to make the background black, as it is underexposed.

What’s your preferred street photography lens?

Many people will stick to the 50mm lens as their street photography lens of choice, but there are alternatives available. To this day, my favorite street photo was taken at full zoom with a 70-300mm lens.

How about you, do you have a favored lens for street photography? How about trying a different lens, and see how that changes the types of photos you get?

Here at dPS, we love to hear your opinions, so let us know what you think. We’d also love to see your examples of street photos, together with the lens you used to take that photo. Please share in the comments section below.

Here is a selection of lenses that could be used for street photography.

This is a scene captured using a wide-angle lens, photographed at 17mm.

The scene was photographed at night. The 50mm lens is fast, and ideal for this type of scene.

This scene also shows the 50mm lens in action.

Even a fish-eye lens can be used for street photography. Though admittedly this photo is also architectural.

The post Which Street Photography Lens is Right for You? by Simon Bond appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School
February 25, 2018