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Adobe has released the final standalone version of Lightroom

If the release of Lightroom Classic CC and Lightroom CC on October 18th was the beginning of the end for standalone Lightroom, today marks the end of the end. Adobe has released the final standalone Lightroom, version 6.14, adding some bug fixes and camera and lens compatibility, but otherwise using the opportunity to encourage users to jump on the subscription bandwagon.

To their credit, Adobe isn’t hiding this fact. They announced that this final update was coming all the way back in October, and today’s update announcement notes state the facts plainly:

Lightroom 6.14 is the last perpetual, standalone version of Lightroom.

While you may continue to purchase and use Lightroom 6 with a perpetual license, Adobe will no longer provide updates to the software. Consider upgrading to the Creative Cloud Photography plan to get the latest updates in Lightroom Classic CC and the all-new Lightroom CC, and ensure that the software works with raw files from the newest cameras.

As of today, Lightroom 6 becomes an ‘unsupported product.’

Of course, that’s okay if you plan to use it with a camera you currently own and don’t intend to upgrade any time soon. Problems—or, rather, inconveniences—arise with your next camera purchase. That camera won’t be supported by Lightroom 6, and you’ll be forced to use Adobe’s DNG converter before importing your images.

Not to mention the OS compatibility issues that will inevitably arise as Microsoft and Apple continue releasing new operating systems.

If that all sounds like too much of a hassle, and a Creative Cloud subscription is simply out of the question, it might be time to check out some of the popular alternatives that we’ve been testing and writing about recently.

Click here to download the latest (and last) version of Lightroom 6.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

December 20, 2017
The Voigtländer Nokton classic 35mm F1.4 for E-Mount ships in February, will cost $750

The Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 FE at CP+ last February. Photo by Barney Britton

Sony shooters will have a new manual-focus lens to play with soon. After announcing the lens as ‘in-development’ way back in February, Cosina Japan has revealed pricing and availability for the E-Mount Voigtlander Nokton classic 35mm F1.4 lens. According to the translated webpage, the lens is scheduled to ship in February of 2018, at a price of ¥ 85,000, or approximately $ 750 USD.

This, just a couple of weeks after announcing pricing and availability for another E-Mount Nokton that was “in-development” in February: the Nokton 40mm F1.2.

The Nokton classic 35mm F1.4 is an E-mount version of the M-mount Nokton that Voigtländer has been selling for many years, and we actually got to see this lens in person at CP+ last February. Unfortunately, the 35mm was the only lens under glass that day, so we couldn’t get a true ‘hands-on,’ but we expect it to be built to the same high standard as the older M-mount version.

Another photo from our through-the-glass ‘hands on’ at CP+. Photo by Barney Britton

To learn more about this lens, head over to the Cosina website, read the translated Cosina Japan page, or check out our ‘hands-on’ impressions from last February.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

December 20, 2017
FAA bans drones from flying near 7 nuclear facilities
The Federal Aviation Administration has officially designated seven Department of Energy (DOE) facilities as drone no-fly zones, restricting UAVs from being operated within 122m / 400ft of any of the following sites:
- Hanford Site, Franklin County, WA
- Pantex Site, Panhandle, TX
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
- Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, SC
- Y-12 National Security Site, Oak Ridge, TN
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN
All seven sites are nuclear facilities (though not all of them are active), including multiple research facilities. The FAA has established the no-drone designation at the DOE’s request, doing so under its Title 14 authority. The FAA refers to these new bans as UAS National Security restrictions, and they’ll become effective on Friday, December 29. The agency will soon update its B4UFLY app to show the new restricted airspace.

According to the FAA, there will be select instances in which a drone operator could get a permit to fly within one of these restricted regions, though the operator will need to get permission from the FAA and/or the facility itself. The cases in which these permits may be granted weren’t specified. These new restrictions follow similar ones applied to Department of Interior facilities and military bases.

Via: Engadget

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
December 20, 2017
Annie Leibovitz teaches photography in new MasterClass

MasterClass has announced the launch of a new course from master photographer Annie Leibovitz. The course is composed of 14 video lessons from Leibovitz herself, as well as a workbook with things like lesson recaps, resources and assignments. As part of the MasterClass, Leibovitz will offer office hours via video and participate in Q&A with students.

This is the first time Leibovitz has offered an online course, which is priced at $ 90 for just the course itself or under an all-access pass for all MasterClass courses at $ 180/year. Class lessons include topics like “Working With Light,” “Portrait Photography,” “Working With Your Subject,” and “Creating Concepts,” among others.

The MasterClass introductory lesson will introduce students to Leibovitz and her more than 40 years as a photographer. Over the course of her career, Leibovitz has established herself as one of the world’s most iconic photographers, her work having appeared in many notable publications, including Rolling Stone and Vanity. She has received numerous honors throughout her career, including a Library of Congress “Living Legend” designation, an International Center of Photography Lifetime Achievement Award, and more.

More information about the Annie Leibovitz MasterClass is available here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

December 20, 2017
What is a Circular Polarizing Filter (CPL) and How to Use it
The use of lens filters can transform your photograph completely, as it allows you to go beyond the usual and explore something creative with your gear. Among multiple filters, a circular polarizing filter (CPL) is one such creative tool using which you can enhance the final photo that appears on your camera LCD screen.

A circular polarizing filter is a landscape photographer’s best camera accessory as it allows you to capture vividness and contrast in a photo. I have even used it to capture cityscapes and trust me it completely changes the image once you have it mounted on your camera lens. Having said that, let me take you through detailed uses of a CPL filter.

CPL Filter Enhances the Sky Color

One of the major disappointments while shooting cityscapes is that the color in the sky is not registered in your camera as accurately as it appears to your eyes, right? Even if you are able to match the colors in your photo, you might still find the sky to be dull or hazy.

With the use of a Circular Polarizing filter (CPL) on your lens, you can enhance the colors in the sky as well as the elements in your frame. This is made possible as the CPL filter, when rotated at a particular angle minimizes the haze in the sky and enhances the color by reducing the polarization effect caused by sunlight.

As you can see in the image above, the dome was appearing off-white in color and the sky was appearing a bit too bright. After applying the Manfrotto CPL filter on my Canon 24-70 f/2.8 lens, I was able to correctly expose the dome, the sky had a good amount of contrast and the clouds were also clearly visible.

Here is another before and after CPL filter comparison, let me know in the comments section below which one do you like better.

A CPL Filter Cuts Reflections

While taking photos of glass buildings or landscapes with a water body in the frame, it can be really challenging to get rid of the reflections being caused by sunlight. You might have to change your composition or wait for the light to change in order to get a reflection-free image.

Using a CPL filter can allow you to minimize the mirror image being caused by in the reflective element in your frame. All you have to do is simply rotate the filter to the required angle.

Discussing the two images above, you can clearly see how mounting the CPL filter almost completely eliminates the reflection visible in the water body. Isn’t that magical?

Here is another example of how rotating the CPL filter to the desired angle can allow you to minimize the reflections in any water body in your frame.

How to get the maximum polarization effect?

As the science states, the maximum polarization effect takes place at an angle of 90 degrees from the sun that move in a circular band. This means that if the sun is at the top, you would get equally lit sky if you are shooting at an angle of 90 degrees from the sun.

To get the exact frame where you should be positioning your camera to get the maximum benefit of the CPL filter simply make an “L-shape” using your thumb and the index finger. Just point your thumb towards the sun, and your index finger will give you the angle where you would get evenly lit sky and get the maximum benefit of the CPL filter.

Otherwise, you may get unevenly lit sky in your photos which would be hard to correct later in the post-processing stage.

Things to consider while using a CPL Filter

1 – It cuts the light

As you mount the CPL filter on your camera lens, it cuts some amount of light which may vary from 1-2 stops. It means that if you were earlier shooting at 1/1000th, f/16 and ISO 100, after mounting the CPL filter the exposure would decrease by let’s say 2-stops. So in order to let in 2-stops of more light, you will either have to:
1. Slow down the shutter speed from 1/1000th to 1/250th, or
2. Open up the aperture from f/16 to f/8, or
3. Increase the ISO from 100 to 400
So whenever you plan to use a CPL filter, remember that there is going to be a loss of light and you might have to compensate a bit to get the correct exposure.

2 – Avoid using a wide-angle lens

Using a wide-angle lens can sometimes result in uneven sky color or color variation. The CPL filter is not at fault here, it is because wider focal length would cover more of the sky and as we discussed above the polarization effect is maximum at 90 degrees. Now a wide angle lens would cover more area of the sky, thus resulting in color variations.

To get the maximum benefit and the best result using a CPL filter, try and avoid using a lens wider than 24mm.

3 – Do not always use the maximum degree of polarization

What we usually tend to do is use everything at the maximum value and degree possible, like we do with an f/1.8 or f/1.4 lens, right? You should always rotate the CPL filter 360 degrees and check the level of contrast, saturation, and reflection it is boosting or reducing, and then only decide the degree at which you want to use the filter.

Sometimes using the CPL filter at maximum degree might result in color variation as well, especially while using it on a wide-angle lens.

Conclusion

If you want to learn more about polarizing filters and see examples here are some other dPS articles on the topic:
- When NOT to use a Polarizing Filter
- Circular Polarizers Versus Graduated Neutral Density Filters for Landscape Photography
- How to Make Funky Colorful Images of Ordinary Plastic Objects Using a Polarizing Filter
- Why You MUST Have a Polarizer
- The Ultimate Guide to Nature and Outdoor Photography
The post What is a Circular Polarizing Filter (CPL) and How to Use it by Kunal Malhotra appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School
December 20, 2017
How to Create Powerful Travel Photos that Will WOW Your Friends [2 Days Only]
Have you ever said ‘This is nothing like what I saw!’ when looking at the images you took of a trip?

Travel Photographer of the Year (and dPS Book Author) Mitchell Kanashkevich has created an amazing “Behind the Scenes” photography course that’s a blueprint for creating power photographs.

It’s all about helping you to capture the magic of the experiences you have when travelling and come home with images that will wow your family and friends.

For the next 48 hours, as an exclusive offer to dPS readers, he’s offering his course at 70% off the normal price.

That means for the next 2 days you can get his beautifully crafted travel photography course for $ 39.95 instead of $ 129.97.

In this online Course you’ll Learn:

How to search for that amazing photo (includes the first obvious question that’s rarely asked)

The truth about compositional rules and more organic and fluid ways of looking at composition

Why being a photo sniper makes no sense in the digital age

The crucial factors that make the difference between a great photo and one that falls short

Can a great image be the result of an accident? (Confession time, but it’s not what you might think)

The practical approach to capturing the moment

… and much more

Mitchell provides an over the shoulder editing experience as well as providing RAW files, so you can practice the same techniques on them in post-processing.

Check out the full course outline here.

… you only have 48 hours (and counting) though, so be quick.

Bonus Offer from our Partners

Anyone who picks up any of the great deals this week also unlocks some great bonus deals from our partners.

For example if you pick up Mitchell’s course today you’ll get access to KelbyOne annual membership at 20% off the normal price. Access our exclusive Partner Bonus Offers here.
Christmas Deals:
Bonus Offers

Brought to you by

The post How to Create Powerful Travel Photos that Will WOW Your Friends [2 Days Only] by Darren Rowse appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School
December 19, 2017
How to do Powerful RAW Conversions with Luminar 2018
One of the most powerful new filters in Luminar 2018 is the RAW Develop Filter. RAW files, straight out of the camera, appear flat and boring, but with capable RAW conversion software like Luminar 2018, you can transform the RAW data into a detailed and vibrant photograph.

Luminar 2018’s RAW handling has seen significant improvements over previous versions. It performs faster and the tools in the RAW Develop Filter reveal additional details in the highlights and shadows, display more accurate color, and reduce noise.

LUMINAR 2018’S RAW DEVELOP FILTER

The RAW Develop filter is organized into three categories:
- Adjust – Essential Color and Tone Adjustments.
- Lens – Remove Image flaws caused by the lens.
- Transform – Correct perspective issues caused by the camera’s physical position.
These three tool sets form a powerful triad for correcting many of the problems encountered with unprocessed RAW image files.

QUICK TIP: JPG Shooters get access to the same tools in the Develop Filter.

ADJUST

The Adjust tab inside the RAW Develop filter contains fundamental color and tone adjustments. Settings include:
- White Balance – Choose from white balance presets that are similar to the settings in your camera.
- Temperature – Warm up (yellow) or cool down (blue) the color temperature of the photo.
- Tint – Correct color casts by adding magenta or green.
- Exposure – Adjust the overall luminance of the photograph.
- Contrast – Adjust the overall contrast of the photo.
- Highlights – Adjust the brightness of the brightest areas of the photo.
- Shadows – Adjust the brightness of the darkest areas of the photo.
- Whites – Adjust the white point of the histogram and white tones in the photo.
- Black – Adjust the black point of the histogram and black tones in the photo.
- Clarity – Adjust mid-tone contrast.
LENS

The Lens tab in the RAW Develop filter allows you to fix flaws caused by the lens. Settings include:
- Distortion – Correct barrel or pincushion distortion.
- Chromatic Aberration Fix – Correct for color fringing along high contrast areas.
- Devignette – Remove darkened edges caused by lens vignetting.
TRANSFORM

The Transform tab in the RAW Develop filter allows you to compensate for perspective problems caused by the position of the lens at the time of capture. Settings include:
- Vertical – Tilt the image forward or backward on the X-axis (helpful with key-stoning).
- Horizontal – Tilt the image right or left on the Y-axis (helpful when shooting at an angle from the subject).
- Rotate – Useful for straightening a photo.
- Aspect – Expand the height or width while contracting the opposite direction.
- Scale – Use to hide the edge gaps after transforming a photo.
- X Offset – Shifts the image left or right.
- Y Offset – Shifts the image up or down.
HOW TO PROCESS RAW IMAGES IN LUMINAR 2018

Open your photograph in Luminar, navigate to the Add Filter button and click on RAW Develop in the ESSENTIAL category. The interface is intuitively designed, suggesting the order in which to make your adjustments:
- Step 1 – Adjust
- Step 2 – Lens
- Step 3 – Transform
EXAMPLE 1

RAW/Unprocessed (© Angela Andrieux)

Straight out of the camera, the photo above was somewhat flat and slightly underexposed.

After Luminar 2018 RAW Develop: Adjust + Lens (© Angela Andrieux)

In the Adjust tab of the RAW Develop filter, small adjustments to the Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, Whites, Blacks, and Clarity make subtle, but noticeable, improvements to the photograph.

In the Lens tab of the RAW Develop filter, a small adjustment was made to remove the lens vignette from the corners.

EXAMPLE 2

RAW/Unprocessed (© Angela Andrieux)

The photo above, in its unprocessed state, has blown out highlights, an unpleasant pink color cast, barrel distortion, and a slightly awkward perspective.

After Luminar 2018 RAW Develop: Adjust + Lens + Transform (© Angela Andrieux)

With the help of the Adjust panel in the RAW Develop Filter, the color cast was removed, the highlights were toned down with some detail recovered, and architectural details were enhanced.

The Lens panel in the RAW Develop filter fixed a slight lens distortion and removed chromatic aberrations.

This photograph had significant chromatic aberrations in the high contrast areas. Notice the patches of sunlight in the “Before” image below – each sunlit spot has a greenish fringe around the top and a magenta fringe at the bottom. The Chromatic Aberration Fix sliders did a great job of minimizing the unwanted color fringe.

QUICK TIP: Zoom in to 200-300% to check for chromatic aberrations in high contrast areas.

Before Luminar 2018 RAW Develop Lens Correction (zoomed to 200%) (© Angela Andrieux)

After Luminar 2018 RAW Develop Lens Correction (zoomed to 200%) (© Angela Andrieux)

The Transform panel in the RAW Develop filter corrected for a slight upward tilt of the camera when the photo was captured and straightened the vertical lines.

EXAMPLE 3

RAW/Unprocessed (© Angela Andrieux)

The unprocessed RAW photo above has a color cast, is underexposed, lacks detail and contrast, and has both lens distortion and perspective issues caused by a wide-angle lens. The tools in Luminar 2018’s RAW Develop filter corrected each of these issues.

After Luminar 2018 RAW Develop: Adjust + Lens + Transform (© Angela Andrieux)

The Adjust tab of the RAW Develop filter corrected the color cast and white balance issues, increased the exposure, added contrast and brought out detail in the shadows under the pier and movement in the water.

The Lens tab of the RAW Develop filter made easy work of correcting the substantial lens vignetting, removing some barrel distortion, and cleaning up the chromatic aberrations around the pier pilings (high contrast areas).

The Transform tab of the RAW Develop filter straightened the horizon and the legs of the pier, correcting for both the position of the camera and the distorting effect of a wide-angle lens.

Conclusion

Each example above shows the power of the RAW Develop Filter in Luminar 2018. A RAW image file contains an abundance of data, but it takes a skilled photographer and a high-quality RAW conversion tool like Luminar 2018, to turn those files into beautiful photographs.

LUMINAR 2018 HOLIDAY SPECIAL OFFER

Ready to transform your RAW files into amazing photos? Visit Luminar 2018 until December 31 to take advantage of the holiday offer!

Get Luminar with an awesome pack of bonuses, plus get an extra $ 10 OFF with the coupon code: DIGITALPHOTOGRAPHYSCHOOL.

Disclaimer: Macphun, soon to by Skylum, is a paid partner of dPS.

The post How to do Powerful RAW Conversions with Luminar 2018 by Angela Andrieux appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School
December 19, 2017
2017 Buying Guide: Best cameras for students

If you’re looking to learn more about photography there are some great cameras available. We’ve chosen a handful of models that offer an affordable way into photography, but give you plenty of scope to grow as you develop your skills.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

December 19, 2017
Hasselblad adds X-Pan mode and EVF preview to X1D, plus AF to H lenses on the X system adapter
The X-Pan crop mode with the XCD 30mm F3.5

Hasselblad has released new firmware for its X1D mirrorless medium format camera that brings it as close to a digital X-Pan (you can read Hamish Gill’s writeup of the 35mm X-Pan II here) as we can sensibly hope for. Firmware v1.20 adds a series of crop modes that includes the 65:24 X-Pan ratio, as well as classic 1:1 square and other well-known medium format proportions.

The update also brings the much needed instant image preview mode to the camera’s EVF as well as the ability to review captured pictures via the viewfinder. And now autofocus can be used with certain H system lenses when they are fitted to the X1D via the XH adapter.

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During a recent trip to Hasselblad’s factory I was able to shoot with a camera loaded with the new firmware to try out the new features. I have to say I was disproportionally excited to use the X-Pan crop mode, and once I’d set it I had trouble switching it off because it makes everything look so good.

The camera had been set so the different crops could be cycled through using the front custom button, and with 50 million pixels on hand on the sensor I wasn’t too worried about a heavy crop leaving me with no resolution. Even with the dramatic crop that the X-Pan mode makes we are still left with an image area of 8272×3062 pixels – or 25.3MP.

Only the Raw files show the crop, and the crop isn’t permanent – at can be shifted, altered and undone entirely so the full image can be used.

While we get to see the crop in the viewfinder and on the rear screen of the camera, even the JPEG files are captured as whole 4:3 images. The crop only appears on the Raw files when they are displayed in Hasselblad’s Phocus software – and even the crop can be adjusted, shifted around or switched off.

Of course, you can crop any image you want to 65×24 using any software, but the fun here is in seeing the letter-box in the viewfinder and in the atmosphere composing with this anamorphic-style format creates. The unused area of the viewfinder is blacked out, but users can adjust the density of the mask so the whole scene can be viewed to make composition easier.

The new crop modes:
- X-Pan Ratio (65:24),
- 1:1
- 7:6
- 5:4
- 3:2
- 16:9
- 2:1
- A4
- US Letter
The new preview mode in the viewfinder is nothing special, but shows Hasselblad catching up with a feature offered by every other mirrorless camera. The new option to back-up images from one SD card to the other in slot two is hardly revolutionary either, but very useful all the same.

Ove Bengtsson, Hasselblad product manager, explains that the HC lenses are designed for a phase detection system, but that they can now be used with AF on the X1D

What will be interesting to existing H system users is the ability to use contrast detect AF with certain HC lenses with the XH adapter. Ove Bengtsson, Hasselblad’s product manager, explained that while the AF would be fast enough for a hand-held portrait it won’t be quick enough to shoot sport or action.

‘Our AF system is designed to be accurate rather than quick’ he told me. ‘These are lenses designed for phase detection systems, and we have to move a lot of glass. We don’t use internal focusing systems with small AF groups as these will, at some focus positions, compromise image quality. We often have to move the whole lens construction during focusing, so when working with a contrast-detection system the most difficult thing is to stop the lens after it has passed the peak and bring it back to the correct position. But as I said, image quality is our priority – not AF speed.’

The X1D can now provide contrast detection AF with certain H system lenses when they are mounted via the XH adapter.

To bring AF to the HC series the lens needs its firmware updates as well as the camera. The following lenses will be compatible:
- HCD 4/28mm
- HC 3,5/35mm
- HC 3,5/50 mm
- HC 3,5/50 mm II
- HC 2,8/80 mm
- HC 2,2/100mm
New v1.20.0 firmware for the H6D brings many of the updates that the X1D received, including the crop modes in Live View, dual card back-up and the lens data inserted into image EXIF information. Both cameras also have a new display mode when the spirit level is active that includes basic exposure information instead of just showing a blank screen.
For more information see the Hasselblad website, where you can download the X1D firmware and the H6D firmware.

Press release
HASSELBLAD FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.20 FOR X AND H SYSTEMS

Hasselblad continues to push the development of their systems further with new features in the 1.20 Firmware update.

Hasselblad continues to expand on the capabilities of its highly unique and renowned camera systems with the latest firmware update. The 1.20 Firmware brings exciting new updates and functionality to the X and H Systems that allow photographers and artists help capture their creative vision.

These new features include Instant Preview and Imaging Browsing through the X1D EVF, a beneficial utility that many photographers rely on. Firmware 1.20 also offers creative Selectable Crop Modes including the popular X-Pan Ratio (65:24), 1:1, 7:6, 5:4, 3:2, 16:9, 2:1, A4, US Letter and more.

“Hasselblad is a company that designs and creates tools for photographers. We have released many firmware updates in the past year. It shows our dedication to our customers and that we are listening to their feedback on how to improve.” said Ove Bengtsson, Product Manager.

Hasselblad is pleased to also announce contrast autofocus compatibility using the XH lens adapter with a select group of HC/HCD lenses. A full list of updates for the X and H Systems can be found below along with compatible lenses for the XH lens adapter.

https://www.hasselblad.com/x1d/firmware/
https://www.hasselblad.com/h6d/firmware/

X1D: v1.20.0
- Instant preview and image browsing in EVF
- Selectable crop modes
- Back-up to secondary card
- Added EXIF tag: Lens Model
- Spirit level overlay: More info added (Exposure time, Aperture value, ISO)
- Touchpad: Pan in zoomed-in EVF live view
- Touchpad; Move focus point with HDMI attached screen
- Contrast auto focus with XH adapter*
  *works now with following lenses:
  HCD 4/28mm
  HC 3,5/35mm
  HC 3,5/50 mm
  HC 3,5/50 mm II
  HC 2,8/80 mm
  HC 2,2/100mm
The lenses need to be upgraded to lens firmware version 19.0.2
More info here: https://www.hasselblad.com/x1d/firmware/

H6D: v1.20.0
- Selectable crop modes in Live View
- Back-up to secondary card
- Added EXIF tag: Lens Model
- Spirit level overlay: More info added (Exposure time, Aperture value, ISO
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
December 19, 2017
Inrigo is a waterproof camera backpack with bluetooth humidity monitor
If you do a lot of your photography in wet or humid conditions, a new crowdfunding project on Kickstarter will definitely pique your interest: The Inrigo is a waterproof camera backpack that comes with an integrated Bluetooth humidity monitor that alerts users via smartphone alert if moisture is detected inside.

Here’s an intro to this ‘intelligent’ backpack and everything it can do for you and your gear:

The pack features double-sided TPU material and a re-sealable-bag style zipper which allows for an IP78 rating, keeping your equipment dry in heavy rain or even with the pack floating on water. According to the makers of the Inrigo, the zipper design allows for very quick opening in less than a second through a hard yank, giving the Inrigo a distinct advantage over roll-top bags or other waterproof zipper systems that typically take considerably longer to open.

But even if humidity somehow makes it inside the bag, at least you’ll get a warning on your smartphone, thanks to a Bluetooth humidity monitor. This should give you enough time to deal with the problem before any equipment is damaged. Plus, that same monitor will let you know if you walk too far away from your equipment (or your bag decides to do the walking…) so there’s some added security benefits.

On Kickstarter, you can currently pledge for two different packages: the Inrigo Litepak is available for $ 160 and targeted at photographers who want to insert their favorite carrying case in the Inrigo. The Inrigo Propack includes camera bags that are specially designed to fit the Inrigo pack, and will set you back $ 180. There is also an early-bird offer that saves you a few bucks.

Press Release:
The Inrigo: Intelligently Waterproof

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Humidity alerts to your phone and a re-sealable-style ‘zipper’ combine to make the ultimate waterproof camera backpack.

Main points
- Kickstarter-project Inrigo is a waterproof camera backpack with a Bluetooth humidity monitor
- Users receive smartphone alerts if moisture is detected
- The re-sealable-bag style zipper opens in less than a second with a hard yank
- Inrigo launched on Kickstarter in December
Overview

Moisture kills lenses and camera gear. To battle moisture and humidity, photographers turn to dry boxes – often large, safe-like containers – but storing and removing camera gear for each trip is a hassle. That’s why we invented Inrigo, a mobile dry box with novel features not on the market yet.

Double-sided TPU and a watertight zipping system (think a resealable bag on steroids) push Inrigo up to IP78, almost the highest waterproof rating. Through the rain or even floating on water, Inrigo will protect your gear.

The better ‘zipper’

Let’s look at the Dryzone 200. It sports a waterproof zipper, which is, according to multiple reviews, very hard to open. In the time spent opening the bag you might miss a shot.

Inrigo avoids that with a seal similar to a re-sealable bag, closing in about a second and opening immediately when folded and given a hard yank.

Other brands have you roll the top of the bag to create an airtight seal – yes, it works, but it’s also time consuming.

Humidity monitor

But simply closing your camera bag isn’t the end of the battle against moisture. Even the top watertight camera bags on the market struggle with internal humidity. Inrigo avoids this problem by keeping you informed.

Inrigo’s Bluetooth monitor sends alerts to your phone before your gear is exposed to high levels of humidity. This warning allows you to air out the bag or adjust your moisture absorber.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
December 19, 2017