Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Wednesday, 23 May 2012

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Wednesday, 23 May 2012 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 476th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Canon EOS 5D Mark III reviewed We've completed our in-depth review of the other full-frame heavyweight - the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. If you just look at the headline specifications little seems to have changed since the introduction of the 5D Mark II in 2008 (roughly 22MP and 1080p30 video) but dig a bit deeper and you find a camera that's been refined and polished in just about every respect. Is this enough to let it trade punches with Nikon's latest bruiser? And, more importantly, since we can't imagine many people are suddenly going to swap systems for these cameras, can it wrestle the belt from the former champ - the 5D Mark II? Read our 29-page, in-depth review to find out. Pentax K-30 preview Despite the flood of cameras announced at the start of this year, there are still more models being launched - and we've prepared previews of the the most interesting ones. The Pentax K-30 very much falls into that category - it's a 16MP, weather-sealed DSLR that can shoot at 6 frames per second and includes a 100% coverage viewfinder. That spec may sound a lot like the K-5, but the K-30 actually sits below it in the the company's lineup. With a list price of $899 with an 18-55mm lens, it's a pretty competitive offering. Click here to read more. Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 preview Panasonic has been doing its bit to extend the Micro Four Thirds lens range, with the introduction of the Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH. Power O.I.S. The 24-70mm equivalent lens is the first constant-aperture standard zoom for a mirrorless system - a sure sign that manufacturers realize there are some serious users out there. We got hold of a near-production lens and have prepared a preview with real-world samples. Click here to see how it performs. Sony NEX-F3 and SLT A37 previews Sony has also updated its range, with the announcement of two entry-level models for its NEX and SLT large sensor interchangeable lens camera series. The NEX-F3 is a replacement for the NEX-C3 and gains the latest 16MP sensor and a built-in pop-up flash. Meanwhile, the SLT-A37 replaces the A35. It offers a similar specification, including 16MP sensor and the clever Auto Portrait Framing mode we first saw in the SLT-A57. Click here to read our hands-on previews of the NEX-F3 (with real-world samples), or click here to read more about the SLT-A37. Richard
News updates The Atlantic magazine looks at the Russian space programme today Published on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 12:41:04 AM GMT The Atlantic's 'In Focus' photo blog has collected a fascinating series of images from the Russian space program. Looking at both Zvyozdny gorodok, the training center just outside Moscow better known as 'Star City,' as well as  the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the pictures give an insight into post-Shuttle space flight. Astronauts and scientists from different countries train together, as do entrepreneurs preparing for their paid trips into space. The collection uses a variety of photographic styles and beautifully conveys the faded futurism of space travel. (from The Atlantic) Read full story → Flickr 'liquid' design finally brings window-sized images Published on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 10:42:24 PM GMT Flickr has revised its image viewing pages for the first time in several years - finally letting images expand on larger monitors. The long-awaited feature, which Flickr is calling 'liquid' design, uses the largest image it can to fit your browser window, without ever upscaling. This combines with the latest version of 'lightbox' which shows your images as large as it can on the whole screen. Sadly the best results only come for images uploaded since March 1st 2012, for which 1600 and 2048 pixel versions will have been generated. Read full story → Just Posted: Sony NEX-F3 hands-on preview Published on Thursday, May 17, 2012 4:00:00 AM GMT Just Posted: our hands-on preview of the Sony NEX-F3. The F3 is Sony's latest entry-level model, replacing the NEX-C3. It's built around the company's second-generation 16MP CMOS sensor, as featured in the NEX-5N and gains a built-in flash. It's also the first NEX to feature a screen that flips all the way into a vertical position, to make it easier to shoot self-portraits. We've been using an F3 for a couple of days - read our hands-on preview to find out what we thought and to see the images we shot. Read full story → Just Posted: Sony SLT-A37 16MP entry-level fixed-mirror DSLR preview Published on Thursday, May 17, 2012 4:00:00 AM GMT Just Posted: Our Sony SLT-A37 hands-on preview. The A37 is Sony's latest entry-level SLT camera - offering DSLR capability in a full-time live view camera. The A37 retains the small body of the original SLT cameras and helps create an easy-to-understand four-model lineup. It gains 1080p24 HD video shooting and features such as lens correction and focus peaking from the more recent SLT models, offering a strong feature set. And, with a recommeded price of $599 with 18-55mm zoom, it's $150 cheaper than the A33 was. Read our hands-on preview to discover more. Read full story → Sony launches SLT-A37 16MP fixed-mirror DSLR and 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM lens Published on Thursday, May 17, 2012 4:00:00 AM GMT Sony has launched the SLT-A37 entry-level 16MP SLT camera and the enthusiast-grade 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM standard zoom. The A37 is a refreshed replacement for the A35, bringing the entry-level model into line with the rest of the SLT lineup. Meanwhile the 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM lens offers Alpha mount users a more flexible upgrade option over the entry-level 18-55mm without having to stretch to the 16-50mm F2.8. The A37 will be available from June at a cost of $600 with 18-55mm kit zoom. The 18-135mm lens will follow in July for $500 or as a $200 premium over the basic zoom kit cost with any of the company's SLT cameras. Read full story → Sony announces NEX-F3 16MP mirrorless and E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS LE lens Published on Thursday, May 17, 2012 4:00:00 AM GMT Sony has announced the NEX-F3 entry-level 16MP mirrorless camera and lightweight 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS stabilized superzoom lens with for the E-mount. The NEX-F3 gains a built-in flash, along with the updated 16MP sensor from its NEX-5N big brother. Its big party trick is undoubtedly its LCD, whose image automatically mirrors when it's flipped up for taking self-portraits. Meanwhile, the E18-200mm F3.5-5.6 LE OSS is a more compact, lighter 11x superzoom lens for the NEX system. Starting in June, the NEX-F3 will have an MSRP of around $600, while the SEL18200LE will sell for around $850 from July. Read full story → Samsung announces US pricing for Wi-Fi-capable NX20, NX210 and NX1000 Published on Thursday, May 17, 2012 5:00:00 PM GMT Samsung has announced the US prices for its latest 'Smart' Wi-Fi enabled NX mirrorless cameras, the NX20, NX210 and NX1000. It has also said the NX1000 will be available from June at a price of around $699 with the 20-50mm retractable zoom. The range-topping 20MP NX20 with its electronic viewfinder will retail for around $1099, with the i-Fn version of the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 kit zoom. The NX210, meanwhile, will cost around $899 with the same lens. Read full story → 30 minute limit on video capture could end if WTO group gets its way Published on Friday, May 18, 2012 10:45:32 PM GMT The restriction that limits video recording in digitial cameras to 30 minutes could be abolished if the World Trade Organization's Information Technology Agreement (ITA) is expanded. Several countries, including the USA, have begun informal talks to extend the scope of the ITA to include products that are currently subject to tariffs and duty. At present, digital cameras' video cuts off after 30 minutes to avoid them being classified as video cameras (which attract 5.4% duty). If the video cameras are added to the ITA, this distinction would no longer matter. (via Nikkei) Read full story → Panasonic launches Lumix G Vario 12-35mm F2.8 fast zoom for Micro Four Thirds Published on Monday, May 21, 2012 5:00:00 AM GMT Panasonic has formally announced a 12-35mm F2.8 lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. The LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm/F2.8 ASPH./POWER O.I.S offers a traditional 24-70mm equivalent field-of-view, and is the first constant-aperture standard zoom for a mirrorless system. The lens is the latest in Panasonic's premium 'X'-branded range and uses the company's latest Power O.I.S optical stabilization system. It will be available in August, pricing details are not yet available. Read full story → Panasonic Lumix G X 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS hands-on preview Published on Monday, May 21, 2012 5:12:28 AM GMT Just Posted: our hands-on preview of the Panasonic 12-35mm F2.8 fast standard zoom for Micro Four Thirds. It's the first constant-aperture standard zoom for a mirrorless system - helping strengthen the position of the system developed by Panasonic and Olympus. We've been using a pre-production version of the lens on both makers' cameras, and have prepared a hands-on preview and a small gallery of sample images. Read full story → Grizzly bear tests limits of rented lens insurance cover Published on Monday, May 21, 2012 4:53:35 PM GMT Photographer Andrew Kane found himself having to report damage to the Nikon D4 he'd rented this weekend, after it was attacked by a grizzly bear. Kane had the presence of mind to document the attack, using his D700 and 70-300VR that he had slung around his neck - grabbing some impressive sharp images of the bear mauling the rented kit. LensRentals seem satisfied with his explanation - Roger Cicala has blogged that replacement gear is already on the way to Kane. Read full story → App review: Apple iPhoto for iOS Published on Monday, May 21, 2012 7:01:57 PM GMT Apple has taken the well-known iPhoto app that’s bundled with Apple computers and adapted it for the iPad and iPhone. Although the iPhoto app offers a range of image editing tools including global and localised adjustment control (using multi-touch tools) there’s a lot more to it than that. Joanne Carter takes a look. Read full story → Pentax K-30 16MP weather-sealed mid-level DSLR previewed Published on Monday, May 21, 2012 10:00:00 PM GMT Pentax has officially announced the K-30 weather-sealed mid-level DSLR. It's built around the same updated 16MP sensor and processor as the K-01, so should offer impressive image quality and borrows many of the features from the more expensive K-5. It can shoot continuously at up to 6 frames per second, has a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000th of a second and can capture video at 1080p30. We've had a pre-production K-30 in the office for a couple of days and have prepared a preview looking at what it offers. Read full story → Pentax launches smc DA 50mm F1.8 for APS-C cameras Published on Monday, May 21, 2012 10:00:00 PM GMT Pentax has announced the DA 50mm f/1.8, an affordable telephoto prime lens for APS-C interchangeable lens cameras. The lens offers a 76.5mm equivalent field of view on the company's DSLRs or K-01 cameras. The lens is designed to look like Pentax's premium 'Limited' prime lenses but features a plastic lens mount. The lens is only 38.5mm long at its shortest, and will sell for around $249.95/€269/£249, making it a small and relatively inexpensive addition to a camera bag. Read full story → Article: The One-Light Studio Published on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 6:20:40 PM GMT Most of us associate studio photography with complex lighting setups requiring lots of equipment. Yet you can get great results using just a single light. Professional photographer Thomas Park takes you through a range of single-light scenarios. Read his article to learn how close attention to the position of both subject and light source can improve your own studio portraits. Read full story → Casio Japan announces Exilim EX-ZR300 high-speed compact camera Published on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 10:27:43 PM GMT Casio Japan has announced the Exilim EX-ZR300, a high-speed CMOS-based 16MP 12.5x zoom compact. The ZR300 features a 24-300mm equivalent zoom and dual 'Exilim Engine HS' processors to offer autofocus in as little as 0.12sec and start-up in under 1 sec. It can shoot 1080p video at 30fps or 640x480 video at up to 120 fps. The ZR300 promises battery life of around 500 shots per charge. It is one of the first cameras to support Toshiba's Flash Air wireless SD card format. No details of a US or European launch are yet available. (From DCWatch) Read full story →
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Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Saturday, 12 May 2012

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Saturday, 12 May 2012 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 475th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Nikon D800 reviewed Nikon's latest full-frame DSLR has caused a lot of excitement, on both sides of the Canon/Nikon divide. At 36MP, it's the highest-resolution camera we've ever tested, which has made it one of the most demanding cameras to get the best out of. So, after all the testing and weeks of shooting with the D800, what's it actually like? Read our 29-page, in-depth review to find out. Leica M-Monochrom and rangefinder musings There was a lot of anticipation for Leica's product announcements on May 10th, but very few people were expecting the M-Monochrom - a true black-and-white version of the M9 rangefinder. Indeed many people who'd heard rumours about the product had discounted the idea. There is, however, some sound logic behind the idea of making a camera that doesn't have a color filter that needs demosaicing (with all the resolution loss it brings). And, if anyone was going to do it, it makes sense for it to be a company that specialises in small-run, niche products. We were able to borrow one of the first cameras and have published a preview and samples gallery. We've also spent some time shooting with the M9 over the past few months, and have written about the experience of shooting with a camera that owes so much to the past. Olympus OM-D E-M5 user guide As part of the process of reviewing the OM-D E-M5, we learned a lot about one of the most configurable cameras in its class. It's already a very capable camera, as we demonstrated in our review, but there are a couple of settings worth playing-with to get even more out of it. With this in mind, we prepared (with the help of forum regular Timur Born), a user's guide for the Olympus OM-D. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX200V review With help from Jeff Keller at the Digital Camera Resource Page, we've also published a review of Sony's latest superzoom - the Cyber-Shot DSC-HX200V. It's a 30x, 18MP camera with a back-lit CMOS sensor and built-in GPS. Does that make it the ultimate vacation camera? Read our review to find out. And, as usual, that's not all. As hinted-at by our publication of studio shots from the Fujifilm X-Pro1, there are several reviews still in progress that we're planning to publish in the coming weeks. Do drop by to read about all the latest goings-on at dpreview.com. Richard
News updates Article: Shooting with the Leica M9-P Published on Sunday, May 06, 2012 8:00:00 AM GMT The name Leica carries considerable cachet for many photographers, regardless of whether they've ever had a chance to shoot with one of the company's rangefinders or used one of its lenses. The fabulous cost and continued adherence to a near-obsolete, manual-focus, rangefinder design can be off-putting, making it easy to wonder whether the brand's proponents have bought into marketing or mystique. So just what is it like to shoot with an M9-P? We put the camera in the hands of four photographers with different backgrounds and shooting styles to see what the 'red dot' meant to them. Read full story → Novoflex creates adapters for Fujifilm X-Pro1 Published on Monday, May 07, 2012 5:41:57 PM GMT Novoflex has announced a range of mount adapters for the Fujifilm X-Pro1's X mount. The adapters allow the use of a wide range of non-XF lenses with the 16MP mirrorless camera. The range supports a broad cross-section of current and legacy lenses, including Canon FD, Nikon, Contax, Olympus OM and Minolta MD and AF mounts. There is also an adapter to allow use of Leica M-mount lenses, if you can't wait for the one Fujifilm said it is developing. The adapters will be available from the end of May 2012 at prices range from around €89 to €169, depending on the complexity of the adapter (there are also adapters for medium-format lenses that can cost as much as €350). (via Photoscala) Read full story → Article: Getting the most out of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Published on Monday, May 07, 2012 9:38:14 PM GMT We've prepared a user guide to the Olympus OM-D E-M5, uncovering some of the more interesting features that might not be immediately apparent to new users. As part of reviewing the camera, and detailing its menus, we found a couple of settings combinations and obscure options that we think are worth knowing about. So, if you've recently received an E-M5, or are thinking about parting with your hard-earned cash for one, we hope you'll find this article useful. Read full story → Fujifilm X-Pro1 studio samples published, including Adobe Camera Raw conversions Published on Monday, May 07, 2012 11:47:40 PM GMT We've just been given access to a beta version of Adobe Camera Raw that supports the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and have used it to process our standard test scene. The good news is that it produces similar resolution to the camera's JPEG output and that it appears to recognize the selected dynamic range extension setting. The X-Pro1 is not a camera with obvious peers, so we've presented it alongside a mixture of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. These are just our suggested comparisons - you are able (and encouraged) to choose your own. (Samples updated) Read full story → Olympus launches Tough TG-1 iHS higher-spec rugged, waterproof camera Published on Tuesday, May 08, 2012 5:00:00 AM GMT Olympus has announced the Tough TG-1 iHS, a high-end rugged, waterproof compact camera. The main selling point of the camera is its 25-100mm equivalant F2.0-4.9 zoom lens. The TG-1 is tougher than previous Tough models, being waterproof to 12m (40ft) and shockproof from a height of 2m (6.6ft) and will have optional waterproof fisheye and telephoto converter lenses available. The TG-1 iHS is built around a 1/2.3"-type 12MP back-lit CMOS sensor and a TruePic VI processor to make the most of its output. Read full story → Just Posted: In-depth Nikon D800 review Published on Tuesday, May 08, 2012 9:09:53 PM GMT We've just posted our Nikon D800 review. At 36MP, the D800 is the highest resolution camera you can buy without making the step up to medium format, it's also one of the first DSLRs to offer uncompressed video output. Despite these drastic increases in capability over the D700, Nikon's latest full-frame offering will be immediately familiar to any one who's shot with one of the company's high-end cameras. So what's the D800 like to shoot with and does all that resolution render its competition redundant? Read full story → Fujfilm announces XP170 waterproof compact with wireless image transfer Published on Tuesday, May 08, 2012 11:12:20 PM GMT Fujifilm has announced the FinePix XP170, an updated rugged, waterproof compact camera, featuring Wi-Fi to allow wireless image transfer to Android or iOS smartphones and tablets. The XP170 features a 14MP CMOS sensor that can shoot at up to 10fps, mounted behind a 5x, 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens. It is shockproof from 2m (6.5ft), and waterproof to 10m (33ft). The stand-out feature is its wireless image transfer function that allows images to be sent to smartphones and tablets, making it easy to upload to the internet. Read full story → Adobe launches release candidate of Adobe Camera Raw v7.1 Published on Thursday, May 10, 2012 5:16:38 PM GMT Adobe has announced a release candidate version of Adobe Camera Raw 7.1 and DNG Converter 7.1. The latest near-release version of the Raw processing plugin only works with Photoshop CS6 and brings support for the same 21 cameras that were added to Camera Raw 6.7 in the most recent update. This includes the Nikon D800m Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Olympus OM-D E-M5 and the most recent releases from Samsung. Read full story → Leica announces M-Monochrom black-and-white 18MP rangefinder Published on Thursday, May 10, 2012 7:00:00 PM GMT Leica has announced the M-Monochrom, a black-and-white version of its M9 full-frame rangefinder.  In most other respects, the M-Monochrom shares its hardware with the M9. It can add three toning colors to its monchrome output or its uncompressed DNG files can be edited using the included copy of Photoshop Lightroom. A full version of the mono processing software Silver Efex 2 is also included. It will cost around $7,950.00. Read full story → Leica unveils X2 16MP premium large-sensor compact Published on Thursday, May 10, 2012 7:00:00 PM GMT Leica has announced the X2, a 16MP APS-C compact camera with a fixed 36mm equivalent F2.8 lens. The camera is an updated version of its X1, with the biggest changes being the use of a 16.2MP CMOS sensor and the addition of an accessory socket for adding an optional 1.44M dot 'Viso-Flex' electronic viewfinder. An add-on handgrip is also available. Leica says it has improved the autofocus system (one of our biggest criticisms of the X1), but has retained the rather low-resolution 230,000 dot rear LCD. The X2 has a list price of $1,995.00. (Updated with first impressions of AF performance) Read full story → Leica offers V-Lux40 20X 14MP compact superzoom Published on Thursday, May 10, 2012 7:00:00 PM GMT Leica has released the V-Lux40, a 14MP, 20X compact superzoom camera. It is the second V-Lux model to feature GPS and appears to very closely resemble the Panasonic DMX-TZ30/ZS20. This gives it a 24-480mm equivalent zoom range and 14.1MP output (from a 15.3MP CMOS sensor). It also means it's capable of capturing 1080 video. The camera also features the highest-res screen in the Leica range - a 460k dot 3.0" LCD. Unlike the similar Panasonic, the Leica V-Lux 40 includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 and Premier Elements 10. Read full story → Just Posted: Leica M-Monochrom hands-on preview with image samples Published on Thursday, May 10, 2012 7:04:19 PM GMT We've prepared a hands-on preview of the Leica M-Monochrom 18MP black-and-white rangefinder. The M-Monochrom has no color filter array in front of the sensor, meaning it captures more of the available light but cannot perceive color. It also means there is no need for demosaicing (the process of combining color information from adjacent pixels), so higher levels of detail are retained. Our preview includes real-world samples we shot with the M-Monochrom, to show just what that means in-use. Read full story → Leica creates M9-P Hermès 18MP rangefinder special editions Published on Thursday, May 10, 2012 8:36:05 PM GMT Leica has combined with luxury fashion house Hermès to create the M9-P Edition Hermès. The camera is coated in ocre-colored calfskin leather and features a matching shoulder strap. The camera also features a redesigned, smoother top-plate and control points, designed by the automotive designer, Walter de’Silva, previously responsible for the M9 Titanium. Only 300 of the cameras will be made. A yet more exclusive series of 100 'Edition Hermès – Série Limitée Jean-Louis Dumas' kits will also be sold, in honor of the former president of Hermès. These kits will include a 28mm f/2, 50mm f/0.95 and 90mm f/2 lens, and a exclusive Hermès camera bag. The limited editions will cost $25,000 and $50,000 respectively. Read full story → Leica announces APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH normal prime Published on Thursday, May 10, 2012 9:47:04 PM GMT Leica has announced the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. The company is making grand claims for its latest standard-focal-length prime, which uses specially developed glass to create an apochromatic design to minimize chromatic aberrations. The lens was designed to match the specifications of the existing 50mm f/2 lens - a 1979 design that is the oldest in the company's current lineup. The APO version of the lens will be available from late July 2012 at a cost of around $7,195. Read full story → Just Posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V review Published on Friday, May 11, 2012 8:33:24 PM GMT Just posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V in-depth review. The second review expanded from Jeff Keller's work at the Digital Camera Resource Page looks at Sony's latest full-size superzoom camera. The Sony HX200V combines the company's latest 18MP back-lit CMOS sensor with a 30x zoom lens giving a 27-810mm equivalent range. There's image stabilization, as you'd expect for such a long zoom range and, as indicated by the 'V' in the model name, it also has built-in GPS. So does this add up to a perfect vacation camera or an unwieldy confection? Read the full review to find out. Read full story →
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Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Saturday, 5 May 2012

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Saturday, 5 May 2012 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 474th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Olympus E-M5 As promised in the last newsletter, we've published our review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5. Olympus' first Micro Four Thirds camera with built-in electronic viewfinder combines a traditional two-dial user interface with DSLR styling, a magnesium alloy shell and in-body image stabilization, and does so in an impressively compact package. Does this smaller size mean too many ergonomic compromises and can its 16MP Four Thirds sensor compete with its mirrorless peers? Read our hands-on review to find out. Nikon D3200 previewed with studio and real-world samples We've got our hands on the latest baby Nikon, the D3200. As well as taking it into our studio we've been able to get out of the office a bit to shoot some real-world samples. Despite using the 18-55mm VR kit lens for the samples gallery, we were pretty impressed with the 24MP camera's performance. Click here to see if you agree. Pentax K-01 test samples It was the Pentax K-01's turn to be wheeled into the studio this week, so we've published our standard test samples. While we're still not quite sure what to make of the K-01, there's no arguing with its image quality - building on the already impressive K-5's performance. Click here to see just how well it does at high ISO settings. More reviews coming soon To again give a bit of advanced notice to newsletter subscribers, we can tell you that our Nikon D800 review is nearly ready. A couple of other reviews of high-profile cameras are also progressing nicely, so we're hoping to bring you more studio test samples, alongside the D800 review, next week. Richard
News updates Software Review: CameraBag 2 for Mac/PC Published on Saturday, April 21, 2012 12:31:42 AM GMT CameraBag from Nevercenter has been popular with lo-fi photo fans for years as an iOS app. With CameraBag 2 it has redesigned it from the ground up, for desktop computers. With a series for customizable filters, batch processing and support for RAW files, CameraBag 2 is significantly more capable than its mobile ancestor. Click here to read our review. Read full story → Mamiya Leaf announce Leaf Credo 80MP, 60MP and 40MP digital backs Published on Monday, April 23, 2012 7:00:00 AM GMT Medium format maker Mamiya Leaf has launched the Leaf Credo range of digital camera back designed for working with cameras such as the 645DF. There are 80MP, 60MP and 40MP, all CCD based. The Credo backs feature 1.15 million dot touch-screens with touch-sensitive regions that extend beyond the display area. They also all feature FireWire 800 and USB3 connections for fast data transfer. Read full story → Adobe announces Photoshop CS6 and CS6 Extended Published on Monday, April 23, 2012 4:55:20 PM GMT Adobe has announced Photoshop CS6 and CS6 Extended as part of its latest suite of creative packages. The latest version includes all the features seen in the recent public beta, including a content-aware move, video editing, the blur gallery and Adobe Camera Raw 7, which features a revised series of controls. More than ever Adobe is pushing its subscription option and Internet-based Creative Cloud service. Prices range from $999/£794 ex VAT to buy Photoshop CS6 Extended down to $19.99/£14.29 ex VAT per month for an annual subscription of the basic version. Read full story → Martin Evening demonstrates extreme tonal edits in ACR7 and Lightroom 4 Published on Monday, April 23, 2012 4:55:23 PM GMT Adobe Camera Raw 7 and Lightroom 4 feature a revamped tool set for making tonal edits to raw (and non-raw) files. The changes are substantial and allow for more refined and intuitive editing options. Professional photographer and best-selling author Martin Evening shows how you can use these latest tools to make extreme corrections to both high and low contrast images. Read full story → Dpreview launches redesigned and improved on-site search (beta) Published on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 12:30:57 AM GMT We've just launched a redesigned and improved on-site search feature. The search system, currently in beta, is designed to give more relevant results from all of dpreview's editorial and forums content. We've also redesigned the way results are presented, to make it easier to get to the information you wanted. We're looking for user feedback during the beta process to help fine-tune the system and how the results are provided, so there's a 'Feedback' link at the top of every results page, to let you report back to us. Read full story → Fujifilm issues firmware for X-Pro1 and XF lenses to silence chatter Published on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 6:24:16 PM GMT Fujifilm has updated the firmware of its X-Pro1 high-end mirrorless camera and the three X-mount lenses that go with it. The updates make a series of changes, including a promise to reduce the aperture 'chattering' that has been common when using the camera. It also adds parallax-correction of frame lines to the optical viewfinder in manual focus mode, along with a series of bug fixes. Read full story → Just Posted: Nikon D3200 preview samples gallery Published on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 11:34:00 PM GMT We've prepared a samples gallery using the D3200 - Nikon's latest entry-level DSLR. While many of the features are familiar from the D3100, the latest model incorporates a 24MP sensor, so we thought we'd see what the pictures look like. Given the kind of user it's aimed at, we decided to see what the D3200 could do using the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR II kit lens, at a various of ISO settings and in different lighting conditions. Click here to see how it performs. Read full story → Nikon recalls batch of 1 V1, D7000, D800 and D800E batteries Published on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 9:54:46 PM GMT Nikon has announced a voluntary replacement scheme for a sub-standard batch of batteries for its 1 V1, D7000, D800 and D800E cameras. EN-EL15 batteries with an E or F as the 9th character of their serial numbers are at risk of overheating and becoming distorted, though the company says no customers have yet reported the problem. Nikon says it will replace any battery from the affected batch (which only became available after February 29th 2012). Read full story → Fujifilm provides modified-sensor X10 to address white-orb issue Published on Thursday, April 26, 2012 1:29:17 AM GMT We've just received an updated Fujifilm X10 featuring the revised, orb-resistant sensor, announced in March. We've rushed it straight into our studio to see how it performed, alongside the existing X10 we had been putting through our review process. We'll be doing more in-depth testing, to check whether the changes Fujifilm have made have had any other impact on image quality but, given the interest surrounding the issue, we thought we'd show our preliminary results. (Updated with image quality comparison) Read full story → Just Posted: In-depth Review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20/TZ30 Published on Friday, April 27, 2012 12:21:49 AM GMT Just published: Jeff Keller's in-depth review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 (TZ30 outside the US). The ZS20 is the slimmest 20x zoom camera on the market, with a lens covering a 24-480mm equivalent range and featuring the company's latest Power O.I.S stabilization. The 14MP high-speed MOS sensor allows the ZS20 to autofocus in as little as 0.1 seconds, and shoot at up to 10 frames per second (5fps with AF-tracking). It also has GPS and an updated mapping function to show photos on a map with greater detail. The ZS20 can capture 1080p60 movies in AVCHD or, in an interesting step for one of the creators of AVCHD, it can shoot 1080p30 in MP4 format. Read full story → Canon offers EOS 5D Mark III firmware v1.1.2 Published on Friday, April 27, 2012 5:33:24 PM GMT Canon has made the latest firmware (v1.1.2) for the EOS 5D Mark III available from its customer support websites. The update fixes a number of small bugs and adds compatibility with the GP-E2 GPS receiver. The file can be downloaded from your region's Canon support website. Read full story → Adobe launches Photoshop Lightroom 4.1 Release Candidate 2 Published on Friday, April 27, 2012 6:09:58 PM GMT Adobe has released a second Release Candidate version of Lightroom 4.1, its Raw conversion and asset management software. The latest version adds support for 13 additional cameras, including the Nikon D3200, Olympus E-M5, Pentax K-01, Ricoh GXR A16 24-85mm and the three latest Samsung NXs. Interestingly, it also adds an improved 'defringe' option to reduce axial chromatic aberrations. A series of blog posts by Adobe explains the latest changes. Read full story → Just Posted: Nikon D3200 hands-on preview with test samples Published on Saturday, April 28, 2012 12:24:04 AM GMT We've just posted our hands-on preview of the Nikon D3200 entry-level DSLR. The D3200 builds on the the company's line of simple, accessible beginners' DSLRs by adding a higher-resolution screen, boosting its continuous shooting rate and adding details such as a microphone jack and infrared remote sockets. And then, of course, there's the 24MP CMOS sensor, making it by far the highest pixel-count camera in its class. Our preview builds on the samples gallery we posted earlier this week and includes our standard studio test shots. Read full story → Just Posted: Olympus OM-D E-M5 review Published on Monday, April 30, 2012 9:07:54 AM GMT We've just posted our review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5. The E-M5 is the first in a line of OM-D Micro Four Thirds cameras, featuring an electronic viewfinder and resembling the company's classic OM line of SLRs. It boasts a 16MP Four Thirds sensor and a '5-axis' image stabilization system, wrapped-up in a compact, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body with a tilting rear screen. It's also one of the most customizable cameras on the market. So does the range-topping camera live up to Olympus' promises? Click here to find out. Read full story → Triggertrap releases mobile app for iPhone-controlled cable release Published on Monday, April 30, 2012 5:00:00 PM GMT Triggertrap has announced a mobile app that converts your iPhone into a highly-configurable remote release for your camera. It works in concert with two hardware components, a 'Mobile Dongle' that connects to the phone plus a suitable camera cable, to offer a wide range of methods to release the shutter. These include timelapse, distance lapse (based upon the phone's GPS), face recognition, and sound, motion, and shock detectors. It can also control High Dynamic Range bracketing up to 19 exposures. A free trial version of the app is available for evaluation purposes. The full app and Mobile Dongle each cost $9.99, and are available now from the iTune App Store and Triggertrap web shop respectively. Read full story → Book Review: Joel Sternfeld - First Pictures Published on Tuesday, May 01, 2012 10:43:00 PM GMT Joel Sternfeld was one of the photographers that pushed for the acceptance of color photography in fine art and documentary photography. Adam Koplan looks at a 'First Pictures,' a collection of his early work (1969-1980) and how it foreshadows his work that was to follow. Read full story → Filter maker 84.5mm announces its first range of photographic products Published on Tuesday, May 01, 2012 10:43:16 PM GMT Slovakian startup 84.5mm has announced it range of filters for photography and cinematography. The company's name is a reference to the size of its filters, which are designed to be compatible with Cokin's 'P' filter holders. Initially 84.5mm will offer a series of predominantly handmade ND Grads and colored filters, made from CR-39 (often called 'organic glass'). Read full story → The Luminous Landscape sheds some light on Photography in Space Published on Tuesday, May 01, 2012 10:43:32 PM GMT Luminous Landscape has published an interesting article by former NASA captain Alan Poindexter about photography in space. Poindexter commanded the penultimate mission of the space shuttle Discovery in 2010, and had been lead photo/TV crewmember on previous missions. In the article he provides a unique perspective on the challenges of taking photographs in space. Read full story → Adobe issues ACR 6.7 - final version of Camera Raw for CS5 Published on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 8:04:28 AM GMT Adobe has released the finalized version of Adobe Camera Raw v6.7, the last update that will work with Photoshop CS5. The final version include support for Canon's EOS 5D Mark III, Nikon's D800 and the Olympus E-M5, as part of a list of 21 cameras added. The update includes the most recent NX cameras from Samsung as well as coverage for a range of Fujifilm models. No support is yet included for the Fujifilm X-Pro1, however. Read full story → DxO Optics Pro 7.2.3 adds Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Pentax K-01 Published on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 1:00:00 PM GMT DxO Labs has updated DxO Optics Pro to v7.2.3, adding support for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Pentax's K-01. The latest version includes 70 camera and lens combination modules for the 5D III and 26 for the Pentax K-mount mirrorless camera. As usual, a 30-day free trial of the software is available. Read full story → LensRental's Roger Cicala examines Canon EOS 5D Mark III light leak 'cover-up' Published on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 6:29:42 PM GMT The ever-inquisitive Roger Cicala at LensRentals has dismantled a light-leak-fixed Canon EOS 5D Mark III and compared it to an unmodified version. The solution, as proposed by every tool-shed tinkerer, appears to be a piece of black electrical tape, which Cicala says successfully stops stray light reaching the camera's metering sensor. When asked if he'd send his own Mark III back to be modified, Cicala points out that he doesn't 'do long exposure night photography with autometering.' But, in the unlikely event that you do, you can rest assured that Canon can fix your camera for you. Read full story → Visual Supply Co's VSCO Cam app offers image filters before compression Published on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 10:38:15 PM GMT Software maker Visual Supply Co has created the VSCO Cam iOS camera app, to go alongside its 'VSCO Film' film simulation software. The $0.99 app works with both iPhone and iPad cameras, offering ten filters and a series of simple editing tools, including Grain, Fade, Contrast and Fill Light. It also makes it easy to share the images via social networks. Unusually, the app applies its filters to the pre-compression camera output. The company's blog features a selection of images taken on the launch day of the app, to give a taste of what its users can do. Read full story → Pentax K-01 studio test shots published Published on Thursday, May 03, 2012 12:35:44 AM GMT Just posted: Pentax K-01 studio sample shots. We're in the process of running a production K-01 through our studio tests, so wanted to present the results of our standard test scene. The K-01 fits a lot of the excellent K-5 into a somewhat avant-garde mirrorless body. Retaining a similar 16MP APS-C sensor to the K-5, we expect great things from it, in terms of image quality, so does it live up to those expectations? Raw shots corrected following the discovery of a processing error. Read full story → Think Tank announces Airport line of carry-on compliant camera bags Published on Friday, May 04, 2012 2:18:22 AM GMT Bag maker Think Tank has announced an update to its Airport series of camera bags. Designed to meet the restrictions imposed by airlines on carry-on luggage, the series includes a model designed for international flight as well as smaller versions for space-limited short-haul flying. The three bags are all designed with room for an iPad and increasingly large laptops, and give clear indications of the camera bodies and lenses they will accommodate. All three come with a seam-sealed rain covers. Read full story → Nikon tells PDN it is looking for a fix for D800 and D4 lock-up bug Published on Friday, May 04, 2012 5:35:50 PM GMT Nikon has confirmed to PDN that it is investigating a problem that can cause the D800 and D4 to lock-up while shooting. The company says that the issue - identified while PDN was reviewing the camera - can be avoided by disabling Highlights and RGB Histogram on the display. At present the lock-ups require the battery to be removed to restart the camera but PDN thinks it likely that Nikon will be able to come up with a permanent fix. Read full story → LockCircle brings LockPort secure HDMI ports to Nikon D800 Published on Friday, May 04, 2012 11:14:04 PM GMT Accessory maker LockCircle has announced it will offer its 'LockPort' durable HDMI socket bracket for the Nikon D800. The LockPort800 combines a mounting plate that secures to the base of the camera with a miniHDMI-to-standard HDMI adapter that bolts onto it. This provides an easy-access full-size HDMI connector while also protecting your camera's miniHDMI socket from damage. The mounting plate is designed so that the camera can still be used with other mounts, tripod plates and accessories, in tandem with the LockPort. The LockPort800 will be available from June 2012 at a cost of $199/€99. Read full story →
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