Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Saturday, 24 March 2012

Welcome to the 471st Digital Photography Review newsletter. Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon D800 real world samples Following their announcements over the past few weeks, we've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the latest full-frame cameras from Canon and Nikon. The Nikon D800 is now here, so we've prepared a first impressions article and published a real-world samples gallery. We've also been informed that the pre-production 5D Mark III we've been shooting with is close enough to final standard that we can publish images from it, so we've published a London-centric gallery from that, too. This will be followed by studio sample shots from a production model, next week. Photoshop CS6 beta Adobe has begun a public beta of the forthcoming CS6 version of Photoshop. Not only does it give everyone the chance to try the software and offer Adobe feedback on the way it works, but it also gives us a chance to see the features being prepared for the next version. We've written an article looking at the new features that will mean most to photographers. Click here to find out more. Pentax K-01 previewed Pentax has taken a rather unusual approach to creating its first large sensor mirrorless camera - by incorporating a full-depth K-mount into its K-01. But that's not the only esoteric aspect to the camera. It's been designed by industrial designer Marc Newson, who has created a camera with a rather distinctive appearance. Click here to find out more about the K-01's capabilities in our hands-on preview. Feeling a little gothic? John Cusack's new movie 'The Raven' is sponsoring a series of challenges on dpreview.com. The film is based around the stories of Edgar Allan Poe, so gives you a chance to explore the darker side of your photography. Click here to explore the upcoming challenges. Richard

News updates Just posted: Our Canon Pixma Pro-1 printer review Published on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT Just posted: Our in-depth review of the Canon Pixma Pro-1. Canon's latest 13-inch pigment-ink printer is aimed at enthusiasts and professionals, with a 12 channel inkset, 4800 x 2400 dpi print head resolution and direct support for third party fine art papers. The printer is optimized for b/w printing with a total of five monochrome inks and is compatible with Canon's free ICC profiling software. Does the Pro-1 have what it takes to compete against rival and fine art market leader Epson? Read our in-depth review to find out. Read full story → Toshiba announces Exceria range of fast SDHC cards Published on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 7:58:12 PM GMT Toshiba has announced the Exceria range of UHS-I compliant high-speed SDHC and SDXC cards, available in a range of speeds and sizes. The fastest, Type 1, cards will equal the fastest cards currently available - offering 95MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds - and will be offered in capacities up to 32Gb. There will also be 95/60MB/s and 90/30MB/s versions. All the cards will exceed SD Class 10 performance and UHS-I Class 1 performance in the latest, UHS-I compatible cameras. No details are yet available for prices or availability outside Japan. Read full story → Apple Raw Compatibility Update v3.10 adds eight more cameras Published on Thursday, March 15, 2012 12:44:58 AM GMT Apple has added Raw support for eight additional cameras, including Nikon's D4, Canon's G1 X, Sony's NEX-7 and the Samsung NX200. Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update v3.10 also brings Panasonic GX1 and FZ35/38 support to Aperture and iPhoto, taking the number of cameras covered to 260. The update requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or Lion 10.7.1 or later. Read full story → Samsung doesn't deny Android-based camera Published on Thursday, March 15, 2012 2:14:34 AM GMT Samsung has refused to confirm reports that it is working on an Android-based camera, only to say it is looking at the idea. The non-denial, which says 'it is something we are monitoring,' comes in response to reports from tech website Engadget that it is considering an 'open' camera operating system. However, while the site goes on to speculate that Android makes sense, based on its parent company's use of the OS on its smartphones, we think there are other reasons for Samsung to use Android. Read full story → Leica includes Lightroom 4 with most camera purchases Published on Thursday, March 15, 2012 5:55:52 PM GMT Leica has announced it will bundle Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 with many of its cameras. The latest version of Adobe's raw processing and management software offers extensive support for Leica cameras and lenses. It will be included with future purchases of the S2, S2-P, M9, M9-P, X1 and D-Lux 5 cameras. Read full story → Introductory offer for DSLR Guru's ProFX presets and plugins for Lightroom Published on Thursday, March 15, 2012 6:40:18 PM GMT Software maker DSLR Guru is oftering a 50% discount on its ProFX pack of presets and film emulation plugins for Adobe's Lightroom 3 and 4. The ProFX pack includes the company's ToolkitPro series of develop and adjustment presests, along with the XProcessPro cross-process effects and FlimFXPro film simulation profiles. The pack would usually cost £19.99 but will be available for £9.99 until the end of March 2012. Read full story → Samsung sees cloud bringing deluge of connected cameras Published on Thursday, March 15, 2012 11:33:18 PM GMT 'Once the cloud computing era truly dawns, a non-connected device will be meaningless,' says Samsung Imaging's Sales & Marketing VP, Sunhong Lim. Speaking to dpreview, he suggested a combination of customer expectations and wireless carriers' desire for greater data usage will encourage compact cameras to become ever-more-connected devices. Indeed Lim believes that desire might even see telecomms networks help pay for your next camera. Click here to read his ideas about connected cameras. Read full story → Carl Zeiss creates Distagon T* 15mm F2.8 super wide angle lens Published on Friday, March 16, 2012 4:33:53 PM GMT Carl Zeiss has announced the Distagon T* 2,8/15, a super-wide-angle lens for Canon EF and Nikon F mounts. The lens can focus from just 25cm (10") and offers a 110 deg; field of view when mounted on a full-frame camera. It uses aspherical elements and abnormal partial dispersion glass in order to control distortion and chromatic aberration. It features an integrated lens hood and accepts 95mm threaded filters. It will be available from May for an MSRP of: €2,148 or US$2,948. Read full story → Just Posted: Olympus OM-D E-M5 test samples Published on Friday, March 16, 2012 8:25:32 PM GMT Just published: studio test samples from the Olympus OM-D E-M5. We've just received a production-standard E-M5 so have rushed it into the studio to shoot our standard test scene. These shots have been added to our preview, but can also be accessed from other camera reviews or from the standalone comparison tool. Have a look to see how it stacks up against its rivals, or download the Raw files to subject them to your favored workflow. Read full story → Images of Panasonic GF5 start to appear Published on Monday, March 19, 2012 12:08:24 AM GMT Images of a Panasonic GF5 have begun to appear on various websites. First an Instagram image of a camera, looking a lot like a GF3 refresh, appeared on the site of an Hong Kong actress/model Angelababy, who just happens to have promoted Panasonic products in the past. Plausible manufacturer product shots (consistent with the Instagram image), have also appeared. We won't speculate about specifications, but it seems reasonable to assume there's another GF on its way. (via 43 Rumors) Read full story → Phase One reduces prices and extends trials of Capture One software Published on Monday, March 19, 2012 8:17:31 PM GMT Phase One has knocked around 25% off the price of its Capture One 6 Raw processing software. It has also increased, to 60 days, the free trial period for both Capture One Express and the more fully-featured Capture One Pro. The company's updated website shows Capture One Pro costing $299/€229 and Capture One Express reduced to $99/€69. Read full story → Just posted: Nikon D800 test samples Published on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 12:38:28 AM GMT Just Posted: studio test samples from the Nikon D800. We're running the 36MP D800 through our standard set of studio tests and have completed the shots of our test scene. These have been appended to the D800 preview and include all the Raw files for download. You can also access the shots from other reviews or the standalone comparison tool. Click here to see how it performs. Read full story → Western Digital launches 2TB 'My Passport' portable hard drives Published on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 12:00:00 PM GMT Western Digital has refreshed its 'My Passport' range of portable hard drives, including a 2TB version. The redesigned drives come in a choice of five sizes and five colors and come bundled with WD's own automatic backup and security software, to allow secure data use on-the-move. All the models, which start at a cost of $129.99, feature USB 3.0/2.0 connection for fast data transfer. Read full story → Olympus updates firmware for E-5 and recent PEN models Published on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 12:45:42 AM GMT Olympus has issued firmware v1.3 for its E-5 DSLR, along with the PEN E-P3, E-PL3, E-PL2 and E-PM1. The updates provide all five cameras with improved stability when using SDXC cards larger than 48Gb. Meanwhile, the E-PL3 and E-PM1 are also tweaked for improved operation when using external flashes in RC mode. The latest versions can be downloaded via the Olympus Camera Updater software. Read full story → Fujifilm adds further functions with X100 firmware v1.20 Published on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 7:34:12 PM GMT Fujifilm has added more user-interface refinements to its X100 large sensor camera with firmware v1.20. The latest firmware allows the Raw button to be user-customized. It also makes it easier to set up the camera's Auto ISO behavior and built-in ND filter. The update also claims to improve AE and AF performance when shooting movies. A PDF addendum to the user manual has also been released. Read full story → Just Posted: Pentax K-01 Hands-on Preview Published on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 8:35:10 PM GMT We've just posted our hands-on preview of Pentax's K-01 K-mount mirrorless camera. The K-01 combines the 16MP CMOS sensor from the K-5 DSLR with a full Pentax K lens mount, to create a mirrorless camera with an enviable range of lenses already available. Of course using a full-depth K-mount also means the K-01 is also fairly bulky which, in conjunction with its unusual Marc Newson design, is likely to make it something of a love/hate camera. Read more to determine which side of that line you fall on. Read full story → Pentax launches delayed 25mm F4 wide angle lens for 645D Published on Thursday, March 22, 2012 1:11:21 AM GMT Pentax has launched the D FA 645 25mm F4 AL [IF] SDM AW wide angle lens it first announced in February 2011. The lens offers a 19.5mm equivalent field-of-view when mounted on the 645D medium format DSLR and features the company's 'all weather' designation to reflect its level of environmental sealing. The lens will be available from March 2012 at an MSRP of $4999.95/£3999.99 Read full story → Article: Photoshop CS6 features for photographers Published on Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:01:00 AM GMT We've written a breakdown of the photography-related features Adobe is preparing for Photoshop CS6. The beta version shows a substantially redesigned interface and a selection of new tools and enhancements. These include photographically-styled blur tools and greater support for video editing. CS6 will also include Adobe Camera Raw 7, bringing the Raw processing tool back into line with Lightroom. Read on to find out about the changes CS6 is likely to bring. Read full story → Adobe releases Photoshop CS6 Public Beta Published on Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:01:00 AM GMT Adobe has released a public beta version of Photoshop CS6, the industry standard image editing software. Available immediately for free download from Adobe Labs, it introduces a complete redesign of Photoshop's user interface along with auto and background save options. Other headline features include Content-Aware Patch and Move tools, additional photographic blur filters, increased video editing capability and Adobe Camera Raw 7. Read full story → Facebook adds higher resolution photo viewing Published on Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:00:00 PM GMT Facebook has added high resolution photos and full screen photo viewing. From today, the photo viewer will show the highest resolution image available, rather than offering a download link for higher-res images (up to 2048 pixels along each edge). An option to expand the photo to fullscreen has also been added. The changes also include adding a simplified version of the sRGB color profile to each image, increasing its chances of displaying color correctly. Read full story → Just posted: Nikon D800 first impressions and 'real world' samples Published on Thursday, March 22, 2012 7:41:49 PM GMT We've just got hold of Nikon's 36MP D800 full-frame DSLR and have been seeing what it's like to shoot with. We've shot it alongside the D3S to see exactly what effect trebling the pixel count has. In addition we look at the handling, its video shooting controls and how it behaves with vintage lenses. To put our studio samples in context we've also included a 40-image real-world samples gallery and a look at the camera's low-light performance. You may be surprised by the outcome. Read full story → Just updated: Canon EOS 5D Mark III preview with real world samples Published on Friday, March 23, 2012 5:14:30 PM GMT We've updated our Canon EOS 5D Mark III preview with a selection of real world samples images and more detailed descriptions of the camera's behavior. We've shot a range of subjects under different lighting types and light levels to see how the latest 22MP performs. These shots were taken using a pre-production camera running final firmware, so may not be 100% representative of final image quality (though Canon allowing us to publish them suggests they're not far off). We're expecting a production-standard camera and will be adding studio test shots next week. Read full story →

Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Wednesday, 14 March 2012

Welcome to the 470th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Sony launches SLT-A57 updated Rebel competitor Sony has continued to update its A-mount lineup with the arrival of the SLT-A57. It's an amalgam of things we've seen before, sprinkled with a few we haven't to give what looks like a pretty competitive package. So you get the now-familiar 16MP sensor combined with the processor from the NEX-5N, crammed into the A65's body. This means a DSLR-sized body (the A55 was smaller), capable of shooting 1080p60 video and including a decent battery pack so that you don't need to constantly worry about recharging. It can do both the A55's 10 frame-per-second full res shooting or 12 frames-per-second 8.4MP cropped mode. There are also the processing filters and multi-shot image modes that you might expect but there's also one you won't: an Auto Portrait Framing mode that re-crops your image in accordance with the rule-of-thirds. We tried a selection of these modes and included examples in our hands-on preview. Have a read. Using the Nikon D4 - our first impressions Moving beyond our preview, which looked at the specifications and handling of the Nikon's pro-grade camera, we've now had a chance to spend some time shooting with it. How does it feel in the hands of a former professional D3S shooter? What has Nikon got right and where might they have gone wrong? Click here to find out what we thought. Olympus E-M5 low-light sample images We've just laid our hands on a near-production Olympus OM-D E-M5 that we've been told we can publish images from. From this we've shot an ISO sequence, using a range of noise-reduction settings, to give an idea of what Olympus has managed to wring-out of the 16MP sensor. Take a closer look. Nikon defends decision to stop supplying parts to independent service centres There's been a lot of discussion and the creation of an online petition over the suggestion that Nikon USA will stop selling spare parts to companies outside its authorised service network. We spoke to Nikon, which confirmed the move and put forward its explanation. However, we also spoke to an independent service company, which seemed less than convinced. Click here and make up your own mind. Fujifilm developing new sensor for X10 Fujifilm has issued a statement giving more details of the white-orb blooming issue that can effect its X10 and X-S1 high-end compacts. Although it doesn't spell-out exactly how it'll affect existing customers, the statement does make clear that an improved sensor is being developed and suggests owners should get in touch their local service centres. Richard

News updates Just Posted: First Impressions - Using the Nikon D4 Published on Wednesday, March 07, 2012 12:16:15 AM GMT We've been using Nikon's D4 full frame professional DSLR continuously since a factory-fresh production version arrived in our office last week. Barnaby Britton, who previously shot professionally with a D3S, explains what it's like to use, and includes real world samples and videos. What's improved over the D3S, what has Nikon got right and has it got anything wrong? Click through to find out. Read full story → Adobe releases Camera Raw v6.7 release candidate Published on Wednesday, March 07, 2012 2:14:25 AM GMT Alongside Lightroom 4, Adobe has release the latest release candidate of Adobe Camera Raw. This not-quite finalized version of ACR v6.7 brings all the cameras and lenses supported in Lightroom 4 to users of Photoshop CS5, plus the Canon EOS 5D Mark III as something of a bonus feature. As usual, it is being released on Adobe's Labs site to allow feedback before its final launch. Read full story → dpreview.com gets mobile Published on Wednesday, March 07, 2012 2:14:54 AM GMT We've just added a mobile version of dpreview, to make it easier to get to our content from your cellular, mobile or generally portable devices. In this first iteration we've made it easy browse reviews, news stories, articles and previews. Forums and commenting support will come in later versions. However, although we think m.dpreview will make it easier to enjoy the site, we've placed small links at the bottom of every page to swap between the mobile and desktop versions. Read full story → Nokia 808 won't come to North America; 41MP PureView tech probably will Published on Wednesday, March 07, 2012 2:16:44 AM GMT Nokia's developer website is showing the 41MP 808 PureView as being available globally, with the exception of North America. However, Windows Phone website WPCentral is reporting that the company will bring its PureView technology to a phone running Windows Mobile - something likely that become truly global product. Meanwhile, Nokia has published a blog post about the 808's Carl Zeiss lens and how its molded plastic design allows it to out-perform some pro-grade DSLR glass. Read full story → Apple launches third-generation iPad with hi-res screen, and iPhoto for iOS Published on Wednesday, March 07, 2012 7:54:17 PM GMT Apple has unveiled the latest iPad with its highest-ever resolution screen, alongside an iOS app of the iPhoto image processing and management tool. The third-generation iPad will feature a 2048 x 1536 pixel 'Retina' display along with a quad-core graphics processor to power it. It also gains a 5MP back-lit CMOS camera with a five-element f/2.4 lens (a similar spec to the unit in front of the iPhone 4S's 8MP camera). There's also a $5 iPhoto app that allows a series of simple image corrections and sorting options to easily find your best images and get the best out of them. Read full story → Article: Composition Basics in Macro Photography Published on Wednesday, March 07, 2012 11:00:00 PM GMT One of the challenges in macro photography is balancing technical details with sound compostion. Nature photographer Erez Marom continues his photo technique series with a discussion of compositional principles for macro photography. Learn to incorporate these fundamental concepts into your own work for more professional results. Read full story → DxO Labs pushes FilmPack 3.2 film simulation software to 64-bit processing Published on Wednesday, March 07, 2012 11:57:02 PM GMT DxO Labs has updated its FilmPack film simulation software to v3.2, adding 64 bit support and plugin versions for Lightroom, Photoshop and Aperture. The move of both the Essentials and Expert versions to 64 bit means they are almost twice as fast at processing as v3.1. There are improvements to the user interface to make it easier to preview the grain effects offered by the different film effects. Both Mac and PC versions are available, with a free 30-day trail downloadable from the company's website. Read full story → Elliott Erwitt looks for fun in photo sequences Published on Thursday, March 08, 2012 8:36:12 PM GMT The BBC has an interesting short interview with Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt, in which he talks about looking for sequences of shots, rather than one-off photos. The video coincides with the launch of his book 'Sequentially Yours' and looks at how a series of photos can sometimes tell more of a story than a single shot in isolation. Read full story → Sigma announces details of support program for full-price SD1 buyers Published on Friday, March 09, 2012 2:04:28 AM GMT Sigma has announced details of the promised support scheme for customers who bought the company's SD1 DSLR prior to the price cut. Buyers of the SD1 at the original price of $6,899 can claim 40 'points' that can be redeemed against other Sigma products. The points are worth up to around ¥400,000 (roughly $4800) when used against Sigma products at their MSRP on the day the SD1 price cut was announced. Customers have until May 31st to register for the offer. Read full story → Olympus OM-D E-M5 low light high ISO sample series Published on Friday, March 09, 2012 5:44:28 PM GMT We've just received an Olympus OM-D E-M5 that we can use to publish sample images and have shot an ISO sequence. We aim to bring you a real-world samples gallery in a few days time, but to whet your appetite we've prepared a quick series of studio-based shots showing how the camera behaves under the challenge of low-level tungsten lighting at all ISOs. Olympus describes our sample as 'initial production' and it's running firmware version 1.0, so these should give a pretty good idea of what you'll be able to expect from the camera when it hits the shops. Read full story → App Review: Adobe Photoshop Touch for iOS Published on Sunday, March 11, 2012 6:27:20 AM GMT First released for Android, Adobe recently unveiled an iPad-targeted version of Photoshop Touch for Apple's iOS. Boasting support for layers and featuring familiar Photoshop effects and filters, Photoshop Touch is one of the best-specified image manipulation apps available, but does it live up to its promise on the world's most popular tablet? Joanne Carter of theappwhisperer.com puts it through its paces. Read full story → Fujifilm developing modified sensor to fix X10 and X-S1 white orbs Published on Monday, March 12, 2012 8:00:00 PM GMT Fujifilm has released a statement explaining the causes of the 'white disc' blooming issue that affects certain images shot with the X10 high-end compact. The statement says the company is developing a modified sensor in response to the problem, that can also affect the X-S1 premium superzoom. It encourages X10 and X-S1 owners experiencing 'the white disc phenomenon' to contact their local Fujifilm service center. Read full story → Nikon defends decision to stop supplying spares to independent repairers Published on Monday, March 12, 2012 11:16:23 PM GMT Nikon USA has defended its decision to stop supplying spare parts to companies outside its authorized service network. Its intention is to deliver 'the best service experience to the customer,' says David Dentry, General Manager of Customer Relations at Nikon Inc, explaining that the complexity of modern cameras and the need for specialist analysis and calibration tools meant that repair attempts by ill-equipped retail or unauthorized repair shops could end up causing delays, increase the cost and risk voiding the camera's warranty. However, an independent service center we spoke to said its statements misrepresented the situation and is likely to mean small repairs take longer. Read full story → Just Posted: Sony SLT-A57 preview with real-world and studio sample images Published on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 4:00:00 AM GMT We've been able to borrow a pre-production Sony A57 and have prepared a preview that includes both real-world and studio sample images. Many of the camera's features - 16MP sensor, 1.44m dot LCD viewfinder are familiar but they all come wrapped in a larger, more comfortable body, powered by a larger battery. We've shot samples in a series of the A57's modes, including its Auto Portrait Selection Framing mode - in which the camera crops an image with a face in, in-accordance with the rule-of-thirds. Read full story → Sony announces SLT-A57 and HVL-LE1 LED panel for movie lighting Published on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 4:00:00 AM GMT Sony has announced the SLT-A57, a replacement for the original A55 fixed-mirror, electronic viewfinder DSLR. The A57 still features a 16MP sensor and LCD viewfinder but incorporates them into essentially the same body as the more expensive A65. Use of the latest Bionz processor means the A57 offers a wider-than-ever selection of photographic features and image processing modes. Updated with more information about the optional HVL-LE1 video-lighting LED panel. Read full story →

Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Saturday, 3 March 2012

Welcome to the 469th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Canon EOS 5D Mark III preview, video and low-light samples As you may be aware, Canon has unveiled its latest full-frame DSLR: the EOS 5D Mark III. While a 22MP sensor and 1080p30 video shooting may not sound like a radical departure from the Mark II, the latest model makes up for the rather familiar headline specs with a host of features borrowed from the EOS-1D X. The most obvious of these are the 61-point autofocus system and more sophisticated video compression options, but there's still more if you dig around under the surface. That's exactly what we've done in our hands-on preview and video. We've also published a range of images shot under low, challenging lighting at all the camera's ISO settings, which we've included in the preview. Samsung NX200 Review Back in the realms of cameras you can actually buy, we've reviewed the Samsung NX200; its 20.3MP third-generation mirrorless camera. While Sony has attracted a lot of attention with its increasingly capable NEX cameras and the Micro Four Thirds coalition have established a comprehensive lens line-up, Samsung has quietly been upgrading and expanding its NX series. Central to this is the NX200 - with its new sensor, high-quality metal build and seven frame-per-second continuous shooting, it represents a considerable step forward for the range. We've spent the last few weeks living and shooting with the NX200 and have published our full review. Does it have what it takes to compete in the increasingly competitive mirrorless sector? Click here to find out. Lytro Light Field Camera Review The Lytro Light Field Camera caused a lot of excitement when the idea of refocusable images was publicised last summer. Now the Silicon Valley startup has shipped its first camera, the time has come for us to review it. It's a camera that's almost as unconventional as the concept on which it's based. Click here to find out what we thought of it. Canon ELPH 510 HS Quick Review The Canon ELPH 510 HS seemed like the perfect candidate to test out our new Quick Review format that should allow us to publish much more regular compact camera reviews. It's a 12MP, 12X zoom compact based around a back-lit CMOS sensor and offering a 28-336mm image stabilized lens. Click here to read all about it. Nikon D4 coverage coming soon The launch of the 5D III has diverted a lot of attention towards Canon but we've been recently got our hands on Nikon's range-topping DSLR, the D4. We're working on an article about what it's like to shoot with the camera, which will include a full samples gallery. In the meantime, we have published our standard studio test shots, including Raw conversions. Richard

News updates Fujifilm X10 'Orbs' Investigated. Does the Firmware Fix Work? Published on Saturday, February 25, 2012 1:39:13 AM GMT Not long after samples of the Fujifilm X10 became available reports started surfacing of 'white orbs' or 'white discs' appearing in images. We mentioned this phenomenon when we included the X10 in our pre-Christmas roundup of high-end enthusiast compact cameras, and Fujifilm has subsequently released a firmware update that promises to address the issue. So does firmware version 1.03 banish the dreaded 'white orbs' for good? Click through to find out. Read full story → Book Review: Visual Stories - Behind the Lens with Vincent Laforet Published on Monday, February 27, 2012 5:51:36 AM GMT Book Review: Visual Stories - Behind the Lens with Vincent Laforet. As Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Vincent Laforet transitions away from still photography and more towards film and video, he looks back at his photojournalistic and commercial career in this engaging book, published late last year. Adam Koplan takes a look. Read full story → 41MP Nokia 808 smartphone hints at pixel-binning future for small sensor cameras Published on Monday, February 27, 2012 8:56:43 PM GMT Nokia has made the startling announcement that it has created a 41MP smartphone, the Nokia 808 PureView. Interestingly, in most shooting modes the camera will output 3, 5MP or 8MP stills, rather than offering its full resolution - promising greater quality and offering some clever features. And this isn't a trade-show concept model, this is a product that will be offered to the public, though details of when and in which countries haven't been announced. What's interesting isn't so much the pixel count as how it's used, so we took a closer look. Read full story → Sony launches five zoom compacts, including HX30V 20x WiFi compact superzoom Published on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 4:00:00 AM GMT Sony has launched four GPS-enabled 18MP CMOS zoom compacts, ranging from the 16x DSC-HX10V all the way up to the 30x DSC-HX200V. The DSS-HX20V adds a 20x zoom to the 10V's specs and the HX30V gains WiFi on top of that. All four CMOS cameras offer nine creative processing filters and latest fast AF which the company says will focus in as little as 0.1sec and 0.2sec in low light, they also have high-res 920,000 dot LCDs. There's also a less-expensive 16MP CCD 16X zoom model, the DSC-H90. All of the cameras feature at least 27mm equivalent wide-angle lenses. Read full story → Sony adds to slim T-series and launches WX150 flagship style compact Published on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 4:00:00 AM GMT Sony has added depth to its T-series range of slim cameras with the skinny DSC-T66 and svelte-yet-rugged DSC-TX20. It has also added the 10x zoom DSC-WX150 to the top of its conventionally-shaped compact camera lineup - claiming it to be the slimmest 10x camera currently available. The 5x zoom T66 and the WX150 are both based around the company's latest 18MP CMOS sensor, helping them offer high-speed autofocus. The T66 has an OLED touch-screen while the waterproof, 16MP T20 instead uses a LCD touch-panel. Finally there's a DSC-W690, a 16MP CCD camera based around the same 10x, 25-250mm equivalent lens as the WX150. Read full story → Just posted: Our Samsung NX200 in-depth review Published on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 7:54:10 PM GMT Just posted: Our in-depth review of the Samsung NX200. The Samsung NX200 is the Korean manufacturer's fifth NX camera and with its completely new 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, expanded feature set and all-metal body is a significant step up from its predecessor, the NX100. After the Sony NEX-7 the NX200 offers the second highest pixel count in the mirrorless system camera segment which would make it an obvious choice for photographers who want to capture a lot of detail in a portable package. But how do the impressive specs translate into real-life performance? Read our in-depth review to find out. Read full story → Goodbye to Gravatar - dpreview will be hosting your user image Published on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 11:27:12 PM GMT We're going to be hosting user avatars from now on - removing the need for you to use the Gravatar service. It means you can easily manage your avatar from within dpreview and that changes are reflected much faster. If you already had an avatar hosted on Gravatar, it will have been imported already so you don't need to do anything. However, if you wish to add or update an avatar, or you've changed yours in the past few days, we're prepared some instructions for how the process now works. Read full story → Richard Franiec adds custom accessory grip for Nikon 1 V1 Published on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 12:48:33 AM GMT Richard Franiec has announced a custom grip for the Nikon 1 V1, adding to the one already available for the J1. The V1 grip slots over the ridge on the camera's front plate, to offer a more substantial surface to hold on to. Unlike Franiec's previous grips, the V1 grip extends across the camera's front and has the camera series '1' etched into it. The grip will be available in the second-half of March 2012 at a cost of $34.95, plus shipping. Read full story → SmugMug brings respected tools to 'Camera Awesome' iPhone app Published on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 5:47:15 PM GMT Strangely-entitled photo sharing site SmugMug has launched a zanily-named iPhone app. The free 'Camera Awesome' app gives iPhone users greater control over the phone's camera and adds a series of filters and processing tools. This includes the ability to separate focus and metering, and adds a virtual level gauge. It also includes filters, textures and frames from Kevin Kubota as well as an 'Awesomize' button powered by Athentech's 'Perfectly Clear' technology. Read full story → Just Posted: Lytro Light Field Camera review and video Published on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 10:33:23 PM GMT Lytro has shipped its first Light Field Camera to a customer and we've had a chance to spend some time with one, to see what their experience is likely to be like. It's a totally unconventional camera that captures images that can be refocused after they're shot, so we haven't shot our usual, 2D test charts but we've tried to sum-up its technology and what it's like to shoot with. Click here to find out what we thought. Read full story → Just Posted: Canon ELPH 510 HS (IXUS 1100 HS) Quick Review Published on Thursday, March 01, 2012 11:14:10 PM GMT We've just posted our review of the Canon 510 HS (known as the IXUS 1100 HS in Europe). It's a small, stylish point-and-shoot camera with a 12x, 28mm-336mm equiv zoom lens, a backlit 12MP CMOS sensor and a 3.2" touchscreen LCD. Although Canon has recently refreshed its PowerShot lineup, the ELPH 510 HS, released late last year still boasts a compelling feature set - is it the perfect pocketable point-and-shoot? Read our quick review to find out. Read full story → Canon EOS 5D Mark III hands-on preview and video Published on Friday, March 02, 2012 5:00:00 AM GMT We've had a chance to handle Canon's EOS 5D Mark III 22MP HD DSLR and have prepared a detailed preview and video. The specifications may initially look a little familiar but almost every component has been updated or improved. It gains most of its ergonomics from the EOS 7D but inherits the sophisticated 61-point AF system from the EOS-1D X. It also comes with a range of movie-focused features and promises of a 2-stop improvement in low-light performance. The camera will be available from the end of March 2012. Click here to find out more. Read full story → Canon announces EOS 5D Mark III 22MP full-frame DSLR Published on Friday, March 02, 2012 5:00:00 AM GMT Canon has announced the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, the latest in its enthusiast full-frame 5D series and successor to the popular EOS 5D Mark II. Based around a 22MP full-frame sensor, it can shoot 6 frames per second and features a 61-point AF system much like the EOS-1D X. It can capture 1080p movies at 24, 25 or 30 fps and offers high quality intraframe (All-I) video compression amongst a host of movie-related improvements. It will be available from the end of March with an MSRP of $3499 / €3299 / £2999.99. Read full story → Canon releases 600EX-RT radio-controlled Speedlite with other accessories Published on Friday, March 02, 2012 5:00:00 AM GMT Canon has announced the Speedlite 600EX-RT flash, its first to include wireless radio control, alongside a selection of EOS accessories. A radio frequency transmitter, the Speedlite ST-E3-RT, has also been released and can trigger up to 15 Speedlites at up to 30 meters. Meanwhile, the GP-E2 GPS unit allows for automatic geotagging of images from the latest Canon DSLRs and the WFT-E7 wireless file transmitter can use either a Wi-Fi or Gigabit Ethernet connection to move files from camera to computer or to control the camera. There's also the BG-E11 dual-slot battery grip for the EOS 5D Mark III. Read full story → Canon EOS 5D Mark III low-light ISO series samples Published on Friday, March 02, 2012 2:07:22 PM GMT We've had a chance to prepare a set of full-resolution studio-based JPEG samples from a pre-production Canon EOS 5D Mark III, at all available ISOs from 50 to 102,800. We've chosen to shoot under low level halogen lighting, which provides a stern test of the camera's sensor and noise reduction systems. Click through to explore what the camera can deliver.  Read full story → Pentax releases second silver K-5 limited edition, adding slimline 40mm F2.8 Published on Friday, March 02, 2012 8:54:44 PM GMT Pentax has announced a silver special edition of its K-5 DSLR, this time combined with the slim DA 40mm F2.8 XS prime lens redesigned by Marc Newson. The latest package, following the silver K-5 body offered in 2011, will be limited to 1,500 examples worldwide. It will be available in April exclusively from Pentax or Ace Photo, at a price of $1599.95 ($100 less, with the lens, than the previous, body-only version). Read full story →