Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Thursday, 21 March 2013

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Thursday, 21 March 2013 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 459th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Canon EOS 100D / Rebel SL1 previewed Canon has long said that it thinks a smaller DSLR might suit some users just as effectively as a mirrorless camera would, which perfectly explains the logic behind the 100D / Rebel SL1. It's a significantly scaled-down DSLR that continues to fit familiar EOS technology into the smallest, lightest APS-C body we've ever seen (we'd need to go to Archimedean lengths to assess whether it's smaller than the Olympus E-420 - the last claimant of the smallest DSLR title). So, while we haven't been dunking Canon's latest model in the bath, we've gone to extremes to understand the magnitude of the little Rebel's capabilities. Click here to read our preview and see what we found. Fujifilm X100S real-world samples We loved Fujifilm's brand-repositioning large-sensor, fixed lens X100, despite its initial collection of maddening quirks and glitches, so we were really keen to get our hands on the its successor - the X100S. Not only has the company continued to rectify the problems it couldn't correct with firmware (such as the vague manual focus), it has also introduced a series of improvements, not least of which is the 16MP X-Trans sensor we've seen in company's interchangeable lens X-series cameras. To show how this performs in the X100S, we've shot a sample gallery showing how the camera performs in a range of conditions. Click here to see how it got on. Canon tinkers to create EOS 700D / Rebel T5i Canon has also refreshed its main Rebel model, with the launch of the EOS 700D (known as the T5i in North America). However, the differences are so subtle that we were almost tempted to list the change of name badge in our list of new features. However, while the body itself hasn't seen many changes, the 700D will most commonly be bundled with a new, internal focus, stepper-motor-powered kit lens, that could represent a significant improvement in a number of ways. Click here to read our preview of the Canon EOS 700D and its 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 STM IS lens. Richard
News updates Confessions of a camera snob: DPR reviewer explores mobile photography Published on Thursday, March 14, 2013 4:25:06 PM GMT When Dpreview.com camera reviewer Amadou Diallo found himself assessing a smartphone camera for our mobile photography site, Dpreview Connect, he had his doubts about what the hardware could accomplish. But his review of the HTC X One (published late last year) challenged his preconceptions about camera phone photography and inspired him to embrace both the limitations and the possibilities of shooting with a mobile device. Read more about his experience on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Google pulls plug on desktop version of Snapseed Published on Thursday, March 14, 2013 4:49:49 PM GMT Google has announced it will no longer sell the desktop version of its Snapseed image editing application for both Windows and Mac. Existing customers will continue receive support and updates. The company will continue to offer the Snapseed mobile app on iOS and Android. In a blog post, the company has announced, as a part of its 'spring cleaning' it has decided to shut down Snapseed and Google Reader, among other products. Click through for Google's full statement and a link to our review of Snapseed for Mac, published last year.  Read full story → DxOMark investigates lenses for the Nikon D800 Published on Thursday, March 14, 2013 6:04:17 PM GMT DxOMark has tested 61 lenses on the Nikon D800, and drawn some conclusions about the results. So far it has published two sections of an eventual four-part article: the first discusses how much benefit the D800's 36MP sensor really offers over the 24MP chips in cameras such as the D3X and D600, while the second looks at which lenses in the 50-100mm range come out with the best DxOMark scores. Further parts later this month will look at telephoto and wideangle lenses. Click through for the link. Read full story → Panasonic GH3 hands-on preview updated with test data and samples Published on Thursday, March 14, 2013 11:41:59 PM GMT We've just added more pages of content to our hands-on preview of the 16MP Panasonic GH3, Panasonic's flagship GH-series Micro Four Thirds camera. These pages represent our progress so far towards the completion of a full review. We've added our full complement of studio tests, including resolution, noise and dynamic range, a small gallery of 'real world' samples and updated first impressions. Click through for a link to the 12-page preview. Read full story → Equinox modular and Leica X3 concept cameras Published on Thursday, March 14, 2013 11:51:44 PM GMT What is an ideal camera for today's smartphone generation? Designers Vincent Sall, Dae jin Ahn and Chun hyun Park have created designs to explore the question. Inspired by the Leica X2, Vincent Sall envisions a Leica X3 that is an extremely mobile version of the high-end compact that folds up and communicates with a smartphone to share its images. Korean designers Dae jin Ahn and Chun hyun Park have put together a modular camera design calling it the Equinox. Click through for pictures and more information about the concepts.  Read full story → Samsung looks to elevate smartphone camera game with S4 Published on Friday, March 15, 2013 1:38:52 AM GMT Samsung follows its best-selling Galaxy S3 with the launch of a new flagship phone: the Galaxy S4. The device holds much promise for mobile photography enthusiasts with a 13MP camera, unique photocentric features like a 'dual camera' function, eye-tracking technology and a 5-inch display. We went to the New York launch and are sharing our first impressions on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone Published on Friday, March 15, 2013 5:34:23 PM GMT We had a close look at the the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone at the New York launch event and have put together a hands-on report detailing the device's overall design and software features. Update: We've added information about the S4's 13MP camera and unique photographic features. Read about our first impressions at connect.dpreview.com (Updated) Read full story → Tokina to ship AT-X 12-28 F4 PRO DX lens for Nikon from April 2013 Published on Friday, March 15, 2013 6:15:06 PM GMT Tokina has announced it will be shipping the AT-X 12-28 F4 PRO DX lens from April 2013 in Nikon mount, and June 2013 for the Canon version. Announced at the CP+ tradeshow, the lens is a replacement for the company's existing 12-24mm F4 wideangle zoom for APS-C cameras. But rather than making the lens wider to match its competitors, Tokina has chosen to extend it further into the 'normal' range, to give an 18-42mm equivalent zoom. The Japanese RRP of ¥90,000 is the same as that for the existing AT-X Pro DX 12-24mm F4 II lens. (via DCWatch) Read full story → Using a perspective control lens for wedding photography Published on Friday, March 15, 2013 9:26:03 PM GMT Arizona-based wedding photographer, Trevor Dayley, is taking a unique approach to his portraiture by using a perspective control lens, the Canon TS-E 90mm F2.8. In an article he wrote for FStoppers, he explains why it has become his favorite lens and discusses the challenges and rewards of adding a tilt-shift lens to his arsenal. (via FStoppers) Read full story → Seawater-damaged Nikon lens fixed by boiling at Taiwan service center Published on Monday, March 18, 2013 12:47:02 AM GMT A service center in Taiwan has repaired a seawater-damaged Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED lens by boiling it. According to a post by Nikon Rumors, after investigating the damage, staff established that the AF motor of the lens needed to be replaced and some internal parts were 'rusted' due to salt water damage. To remove this 'rust', they boiled them in water. The lens was apparently fixed in three days. (via Nikon Rumors) Read full story → ACD Systems releases ACDSee Photo Editor 6 with new Raw functionality Published on Monday, March 18, 2013 5:00:33 PM GMT ACD Systems has released ACDSee Photo Editor 6, the company's photo editing software for enthusiasts. Among the highlights in version 6 are support for Raw files as non-destructive object layers and Lighting and Contrast Enhancement (LCE) technology that promises to improve the quality of poorly lit photos. Selective color editing tools have also been added. The software is available at a retail price of $49.99. Read full story → Photographer Greg Heisler and the story behind an ESPN cover photo Published on Monday, March 18, 2013 6:43:02 PM GMT In a 'Master Series' video posted by lighting maker Profoto USA, celebrated photographer Greg Heisler shares a behind the scenes tale of how he created a unique on-location portrait of then-NBA star Alonzo Mourning. In explaining a lighting setup that even most other pros would struggle to pull off, Heisler breaks down his lighting diagram for a shot that he conceived, 'just because I think it looks cool'. (via Strobist) Read full story → Filmmaker shoots with fifteen GoPros for a Matrix-like bullet time effect Published on Monday, March 18, 2013 6:51:52 PM GMT Amateur filmmaker Marc Donahue of Permagrin Films recently shot a video with an array of fifteen GoPro action cameras to achieve Matrix-like bullet time special effects. The arc-shaped rig allowed him to shoot simultaneously from all cameras. In post, Donahue added the freeze frame and slow motion effects. Click through to watch the video. (via Mashable) Read full story → Aviary debuts desktop app and photo-editing SDK for Windows 8 Published on Monday, March 18, 2013 9:23:21 PM GMT Photo-editing service Aviary has announced its desktop app and Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows 8. Aviary's technology which can currently be found in numerous popular Android and iOS photo editing apps, and on the Flickr photo sharing site will be available for download in the Windows Store this week. Click through for more information at connect.dpreview.com Read full story → Fujifilm X100S Real-world Samples Published on Monday, March 18, 2013 9:59:00 PM GMT We've just added a 39-image sample gallery to our preview of the Fujifilm X100S. The X100S is the sucessor to the X100, one of our favorite cameras of the past couple of years, but one that was not without its share of quirks. The X100S features a new 16MP X-Trans sensor, a hybrid AF system with on-sensor phase-detection autofocus and numerous operational improvements. We previewed the new camera earlier this year and we'll be adding more content to that as we work towards a full review but for now, click through for a link to our gallery of real-world samples.  Read full story → Pre-Photoshop tricks and the apps you can use today Published on Monday, March 18, 2013 10:13:32 PM GMT The Metropolitan Museum's 'Faking It: Manipulated Photography Before Photoshop' exhibit includes some heavily manipulated imagery created long before the days of digital. We look at a selection of these photo illustrations and suggest how they might be easily created today using mobile image editing apps available for mobile devices. Check out the five apps that could be used to make similar photographic illustrations today at connect.dpreview.com Read full story → First winners announced in Sony World Photography Awards 2013 Published on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 5:57:18 PM GMT The World Photography Organisation has announced the winners for the Open, Youth and 3D categories of the 2013 Sony-sponsored World Photography Awards. The organization announced a shortlist for all the categories last month, and will be announcing the professional category winners at Somerset House in London on April 25th. Click through to read more about the winners and see their winning images. Read full story → Wacom releases Cintiq 13HD 13-inch compact pen display for $999 Published on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 6:45:57 PM GMT Graphics tablet maker Wacom has announced the Cintiq 13HD, a 13-inch compact interactive graphics tablet that features a 1920 x 1080 LED monitor capable of displaying 16.7 million colors. Combined with the company's latest Pro Pen the Cintiq 13HD offers 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity for graphic design and retouching. The Cintiq 13HD is the smallest model in the Cintiq lineup and the most affordable, too. It will start shipping from April 2013, at a cost of $999.99/ £749.99. Click through for more details.  Read full story → Minox announces tiny, retro-styled DCC 14.0 camera Published on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 7:33:59 PM GMT Minox has released the latest generation of their 'Digital Classic Camera', whose miniature rangefinder body harkens back to the 1950's. The DCC 14.0 features a 14 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 41mm-equivalent fixed lens, optical viewfinder, 2" LCD display, and VGA video recording. The camera will be available soon in your choice of black or silver for $239.  Read full story → DxOMark Mobile Report: Blackberry Z10 Published on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 10:28:42 PM GMT We just published the DxOMark Mobile Report for the Blackberry Z10 on connect.dpreview.com. The report includes the usual industrial-quality scientific measurements. DxO's imaging experts have analyzed 14 aspects of mobile imaging including detailed image quality assessment, flash performance, autofocus reliability and more to calculate a final score. This report will be integrated into our full review once it is finished but for now click through to find out how the Blackberry Z10's camera performed in the DxO lab tests. Read full story → Behind the scenes of the Hasselblad H5D advertising campaign Published on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 4:58:40 PM GMT Photographer Henrik Sorensen has uploaded an interesting behind-the-scenes YouTube video of his recent 'submerged fairy' shoot for the advertising campaign for Hasselblad's H5D digital medium format camera. Taking inspiration from Danish folklore and its royal history he opted to use a submerged castle interior as the backdrop. Click through to watch the video (via FStoppers) Read full story → Photographer's copyright suit lists his subject as defendant Published on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 7:23:24 PM GMT US photographer Brian Masck has filed suit against several parties over unauthorized and unpaid use of a photograph he shot 22 years ago that has since become an iconic image recognizable to almost any US sport fan. Among the defendants is the subject of the photo himself, Desmond Howard, who used the image on his own website. Read full story →
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Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Thursday, 14 March 2013

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Thursday, 14 March 2013 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 458th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Panasonic DMC-GH3 preview extended We've recently received a Panasonic GH3 into the office and have rushed it straight into our studio. The company's flagship Micro Four Thirds model includes an impressive array of video features along with a more substantial, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body we think will appeal both to videographers and stills shooters. We've re-worked parts of the existing preview and added our standard test scene images, giving an insight into the camera's performance and making it easy to compare to every other camera we've reviewed in recent years. We'll be continuing to add to our preview over the coming days with more test data, a real-world samples gallery and first impressions of shooting with the camera. Click here to read our extended hands-on preview of the Panasonic DMC-GH3. What do the pros make of the latest professional cameras? Canon and Nikon both updated their range-topping professional cameras last year, promising even greater capabilities than the previously cutting-edge models that came before them. So how much difference do the latest models make for people shooting with them every day? What are the key features that professional shooters find themselves looking for and just how important is video to a stills photographer? We spoke to two professional shooters from The Seattle Times, to get a real insight into 'professional' DSLRs. Click here to read what they had to say. Richard
News updates Sekonic bundles L-478D/DR with X-Rite ColorChecker Passport in US Published on Thursday, March 7, 2013 5:03:17 PM GMT Sekonic's Lightmaster Pro L-478D and L-478DR touch-enabled lightmeters are now available as part a $512 special edition bundle that also includes X-Rite's ColorChecker Passport and White Balance Target. This offer is currently only available for US customers, who will save $50 compared to buying everything individually. The bundle also includes software to calibrate the meters and create exposure profiles for cameras. Current L-478D/DR owners can purchase the ColorChecker Passport and gray card for $49. Read full story → Picasa web is now redirecting to Google+ Published on Thursday, March 7, 2013 7:21:31 PM GMT Users looking for their Picasa Web Albums are now redirected to Google+ Photos. This change comes on the heels of Google's announcement in December 2012 saying the company's social media channel 'Google+ is the new home for your photos.' Two updates to Picasa's desktop app also promoted Google+ integration, encouraging users to tag photos with Google+ contacts and Circles. Click through for more information and to find out how to still access your pictures on Picasa. Read full story → PDN publishes 2013 list of 30 emerging photographers to watch Published on Thursday, March 7, 2013 7:44:28 PM GMT Photo District News (PDN) recently released its annual list of 30, 'new and emerging photographers to watch'. The portfolios of these commercial, fashion and editorial photographers from around the world were selected from more than 300 submissions made by industry professionals. Their work will be published in the magazine's April issue, providing valuable exposure in the US for these photographers as they seek to establish careers in print and online media. Read full story → Facebook further pushes photo prominence in the News Feed Published on Thursday, March 7, 2013 10:07:17 PM GMT Facebook has announced an upcoming update to the way photos are presented in user News Feeds. More space will be devoted to images, displaying them more prominently on the page. This is the second redesign that focuses on bigger pictures since July last year. The result of the redesign is not too dissimilar to Google+. In addition, the News Feed can be filtered to view only photo-based updates. The company says it is rolling the changes out in the coming weeks to both desktop and mobile version. Read full story → Article: Theme and Variation Published on Friday, March 8, 2013 1:19:47 AM GMT Great landscape imagery doesn't have to involve travel to faraway locales. Photographer Carsten Krieger believes there's much to be gained by shooting close to home. Over the years he has challenged himself to shoot from the same vantage point; a task made feasible by choosing a scene only minutes from his home. Learn how lens choice and attention to seasonal patterns can lead to surprisingly varied imagery. Read full story → DxOMark Mobile Report added to our Nokia Lumia 920 review Published on Friday, March 8, 2013 1:37:44 AM GMT We have added DxOMark's Mobile Report to our camera review of the Nokia Lumia 920. The report includes DxO Lab's usual industrial-quality scientific measurements and analyzes 14 aspects of mobile imaging including detailed image quality assessment, flash performance, autofocus reliability and more to calculate a final score. Click through to read our Nokia Lumia 920 review and turn over to page 2 for the DxO Mark mobile report. Read full story → Sigma US to ship 19mm f/2.8, 30mm f/2.8 and 30mm f/1.4 this month Published on Friday, March 8, 2013 8:01:00 AM GMT Sigma US has announced the price and availability for its three latest 'Art' series prime lenses - the 19mm f/2.8 DN and 30mm f/2.8 DN for mirrorless cameras, and the 30mm f/1.4 for APS-C DSLRs. The DN lenses will be available for street price of $199 and the redesigned 30mm f/1.4 will be available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts for $499. All three will start shipping from the end of this month. No details were given about the 60mm f/2.8 lens also announced during the CP+ tradeshow. Read full story → ACDSee 15 and Pro 6 gain Raw support for 19 additional cameras Published on Friday, March 8, 2013 10:00:00 AM GMT ACD Systems has extended the Raw support offered by its ACDSee Pro 6 and ACDSee 15 software packages. Version 6.2 of the Pro version and and ACDSee v15.2 gain support for an additional 19 cameras including the Canon EOS M, Nikon D5200, Sony SLT-A99V and the Olympus E-PL5. This update also includes performance improvements. Click through for more information. Read full story → Nissin announces Di700 flashgun and PS 8 external battery pack Published on Friday, March 8, 2013 7:26:56 PM GMT Nissin's UK distributor Kenro has announced the Di700 flashgun and the PS 8 external battery pack for Canon, Nikon and Sony digital SLRs. With a guide number of 50 (at 200mm), the Di700 is equipped with an external power socket making it compatible with the PS 8. The battery pack offers a heat-resistant plastic body, a USB socket for charging and an LED indication lamp. The PS 8 is available for £165 (including VAT), while the Di700 will be available from April 2013 at a price to be confirmed. There is currently no information about US price and availability. Read full story → Accessory Review: Cinetics Cine System Published on Friday, March 8, 2013 8:03:50 PM GMT The Cinetics Cine System is a low-cost kit which enables videographers to achieve smooth panning and zoom shots as well as window and vehicle mounted footage. The system is built around Joby's popular Gorillapod Focus flexible tripod, and includes wheeled feet and the 'CineSquid' attachment allowing you to firmly mount a DSLR or small video camera to windows. We covered the Cine System last year in an article about interesting photography-related Kickstarter projects, and were really intrigued by its potential. Click through for a link to our review.  Read full story → National Geographic celebrates 125 years of photography with Tumblr Published on Friday, March 8, 2013 8:45:25 PM GMT The National Geographic Society continues to celebrate its 125th anniversary, and has launched a Tumblr blog called 'Found', which hosts a curated collection of photos from the National Geographic archives. The curation is done by Nat Geo's William Bonner who has been scanning through the company's extensive photography archive in the basement of its Washington, D.C. headquarters. Click through for more information and some fascinating photos. Read full story → Guardian photographers share tips for getting a portrait in ten minutes Published on Friday, March 8, 2013 9:53:47 PM GMT British newspaper The Guardian is known for its editorial photography, but like all working pros, the staff photographers sometimes only get a few minutes to capture their subjects. In an article posted on the Guardian's Photo Blog, several of the paper's photographers share their tips for getting portraits in a hurry. Click through for some pictures, and a link to the article at guardian.co.uk. Read full story → Article: Blending images in Photoshop Published on Sunday, March 10, 2013 6:13:36 PM GMT Photographer and imaging professional Jean Miele demonstrates how to combine images in Photoshop for seamless and natural-looking results. In this article he takes you through the basics of making Gradient tool adjustments to layer masks. Follow along with a simple tutorial that adds a dramatic sky to an interesting foreground.  Read full story → Lowepro introduces Flipside Sport 20L AW weather-resistant backpack Published on Monday, March 11, 2013 5:59:11 PM GMT Lowepro has announced the Flipside Sport 20L AW weather-resistant backpack for adventure-oriented photographers. Priced at $179.99, the Flipside 20L can hold two pro-level DSLRs, two lenses, a tripod/monopod and a flashgun. Made of lightweight materials and breathable padding, the bag features expandable pockets for treckking poles and 1.5L bottles. The Flipside is also available in two smaller sizes with Orange/Light Grey and Galaxy Blue/Light Grey color options. Read full story → Pentax US offers mail-in rebates on 645D medium-format DSLR and lenses Published on Monday, March 11, 2013 6:37:17 PM GMT Pentax US has announced mail-in rebates on its 645D medium-format DSLR and select Limited series lenses when purchased with the K-5 IIs DSLR. Buyers of the 645D body will receive a free D-FA 55mm lens and $500 rebate on the purchase of the D-FA 25mm and HD 90mm lens. Those buying the K-5IIs camera body will receive a $250 rebate on the purchase of FA 31mm, 43mm and 77mm lenses. The rebates can be claimed from March 11th through March 31st 2013 and will be paid in the form of a Visa gift card. Read full story → Fujifilm harnesses silver for new touch-screen technology Published on Monday, March 11, 2013 7:22:41 PM GMT Fujifilm is looking to bring down the cost of touch-screen technology by harnessing materials and manufacturing expertise used in creating film emulsions. Touch-screens are quickly becoming the standard interface of nearly every piece of mobile technology. Currently these screens utilize the fairly rare metal, indium. Due to its rarity, indium is responsible for a significant portion in the cost of current touch-screen displays. Fujifilm hopes to use its long history with silver to bring down the cost of these displays and grab a piece of the ever expanding touch-screen market.(via Bloomberg) Read full story → Dblcam app captures both sides of the story Published on Monday, March 11, 2013 7:29:00 PM GMT Dblcam is a new free iOS app that simultaneously captures images with the front- and rear cameras of your iPhone. The app by developers Social Print Studio then combines the two pictures to a collage. Self portrait/scenery combinations are the most obvious results to come out of this process but some users are using Dblcam in a more creative way. Read more about the app and check out some sample images at connect.dpreview.com Read full story → Studio comparison images added to Panasonic GH3 Preview Published on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 12:00:04 AM GMT We've just posted an update to our preview of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3, adding updated product photography (the camera we originally used had a non-final grip material) and three pages of studio comparison images, both JPEG and Raw. We're working on the remaining studio tests, and intend to add at least four more pages to this preview in the next few days, with a samples gallery and more detailed impressions on the camera's handling and performance. Look out for that towards the end of the week, but for now, click through to go to the updated preview.  Read full story → Cinetics introduces CineVise camera mount with vise grips Published on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 4:55:18 PM GMT Video accessories maker Cinetics has announced the CineVise camera mount. Similar to its Cine System, it is built around Joby's popular Gorillapod Focus flexible tripod. The CineVise includes clamps around its feet, allowing you to firmly mount a DSLR or small video camera to any surface. It can be purchased from the Cinetics store as a complete system, including the GorillaPod Focus and Ballhead X for $295. You can also purchase just the CineVise grips for $165. Read full story → World Press Photo award enables photographer to resume his career Published on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 7:07:19 PM GMT Last October, Portuguese freelance photojournalist Daniel Rodrigues was forced to sell off all his camera gear to pay the bills. Only a few months later, however, one of his images took first prize in the Daily Life category from the prestigious World Press Photo foundation. As a result of the ensuing attention, Rodrigues has been able to acquire new gear and resume his career in photojournalism. (via New York Times Lens blog) Read full story → BBC and Forbes look at the booming action camera business Published on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 9:21:49 PM GMT Small, rugged, go-anywhere action cams have become increasingly popular. Both BBC news and Forbes magazine have taken a look at the booming action camera business over the last week. The BBC's Ian Hardy covered the overall market and the varied applications of action cams, while Forbes posted an interesting story about GoPro's Founder and CEO Nick Woodman with details on the company's success. Click through to read more and for links to the posts. Read full story → Pro DSLRs, Pro Photographers Published on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 10:32:26 PM GMT The Canon EOS 1D X and Nikon D4 are aimed squarely at the specific and demanding needs of working pros. We recently sat down with two staff photographers from the Seattle Times for their insights gained through using these pro-level cameras on a daily basis. Find out what it's like to shoot with these flagship models from Canon and Nikon under the pressure of breaking news and tight deadlines. Read full story → Actual Pixels - the pixel peeping app for iOS Published on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 10:48:14 PM GMT The latest generation tablets and even phones are great for presenting your images. But if your workflow involves evaluating detail and critical focus on a mobile device the situation is less than ideal. This is because the standard image viewers, such as Apple's Photo app or Android's Gallery app, don't display the actual images but a version that has been reduced in size to maker better use of the devices' limited resources. Actual Pixels is a free app for iOS that allows you to view images on your iPhone or iPad at a 100% magnification. We've checked it out for you. Read full story → Samsung UK to include Adobe Lightroom 4.4 with NX300 shipments Published on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 11:03:53 PM GMT Samsung UK has announced it will include a copy of Adobe Lightroom 4.4 photo-editing software for free with its NX300 APS-C mirrorless camera shipments. Announced at the CES 2013 tradeshow,the 3D-capable camera is built around a 20MP sensor, 3.3" OLED screen and built-in Wi-fi. We do not know whether this is a UK-only bundle, but we will update the story if more information becomes available. Read full story → Rokinon gives May 2013 release date for T-S 24mm F3.5 lens Published on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 6:03:39 PM GMT Rokinon has announced the T-S 24mm F3.5, a wideangle perspective control lens, for release in May 2013. Rokinon rebadges and distributes Samyang lenses for the US market, and this lens first appeared at Photokina 2012 as the Samyang T-S 24mm 1:3.5 ED AS UMC, but without a specific date for launch. The lens features manual focus and aperture setting, offers up to 12mm of shift and 8.5° of tilt, and is designed for full frame cameras. It'll be available in Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts, at an RRP of $1299.99.     Read full story → DSLR time-lapse images from the International Space Station Published on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 6:14:53 PM GMT Austrian photography enthusiast Christopher Malin has produced a short film featuring time-lapse photography taken by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Captured with several Nikon D3S cameras, these sequences make for a unique and compelling view of the Earth and its surrounding environment. The film also includes a first hand account of the considerable challenges of photographing from space.  Read full story → Nikon and Canon UK offer Spring 2013 camera rebates Published on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 7:12:55 PM GMT Nikon and Canon UK have announced Spring 2013 rebates with savings ranging from £30-£235. The Nikon offer applies to D3100, D3200, D5100, D5200, D7000 and D600 digital SLRs. The rebates are available on purchases made between March 14th- May 31st 2013. Canon UK is offering rebates on a number of DSLRs, lenses, printers and camcorders including the EOS 5D Mark III DSLR, 24-70mm f/2.8L II lens, G1 X compact camera and Pixma Pro-1 printer for purchases made between March 7th- May 31st 2013. Click through for links to the rebates. Read full story → Founders of Memoto wearable camera capture 10,000 pictures at SXSW Published on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 10:16:55 PM GMT Founders of the GPS-equipped Memoto wearable camera, Martin Kallstrom and Oskar Kalmaru captured around 10,000 photographers at the SXSW music and film festival in Austin, Texas. This wearable square device made headlines when it surpassed initial Kickstarter funding goal in just 5 hours. The Memoto camera automatically captures two 5MP geotagged photos every minute (one every 30 seconds) and the built-in accelerometer ensures pictures are turned to the correct orientation. All Things Digital has posted an article about the Memoto and its creators - click through for more details and a link to the original feature.  Read full story →
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Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Thursday, 7 March 2013

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Thursday, 7 March 2013 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 457th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Fujifilm X-E1 review The X-E1 is the second camera to use Fujifilm's X-mount, sitting just below the range-topping X-Pro1. Despite this second-tier status, the X-E1 offers most of its big brother's features - with the main exception being the omission of the X-Pro1's clever hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder - instead the retro-styled X-E1 features a 2.3m dot OLED finder. The other key difference is that the X-E1 is available bundled with a kit zoom, rather than the prime lenses available when the Pro1 launched. However, in keeping with the premium ambitions of the X series, that kit zoom is an optically stabilized 18-55mm F2.8-4. Adobe announced improved support for Fujifilm's X-Trans sensors just in time for us to include those improvements in the review, so click here to see how the X-E1 performed (and what its Raw results can look like). Nikon Coolpix A hands-on preview Meanwhile, Nikon surprised a lot of people by joining the large-sensor, fixed lens party with its Coolpix A. The Coolpix A makes an interesting contrast to the company's 1 series of mirrorless cameras - using a larger, APS-C sensor and including a fixed 28mm equivalent F2.8 lens, it's clearly aimed at photographers who want a high-quality camera to use alongside their existing DSLR. We had a chance to get our hands on a Coolpix A to try to get a feel for how it operates and what it brings to the market. Click here to read our Nikon Coolpix A hands-on preview. Nikon also made quite an upgrade to its P series of compacts with the P330, which gains a larger sensor than its predecessor, putting it more squarely into competition with Canon's S110. Click here to find out more. Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 II USM review Canon's 24-70mm F2.8 is the workhorse lens in many a professional photographer's kit bag, so a replacement version (even without the much hoped-for image stabilization) caused a lot of interest when it was announced early last year. This made it an obvious choice to look at, as part of our rejuvenated lens reviews. We, in collaboration with DxO Labs, have tested and reviewed the Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 II USM. Click here to see what we found. Richard
News updates Satechi introduces BT Smart Trigger wireless shutter release for Canon Published on Thursday, February 28, 2013 6:35:13 PM GMT Accessory maker Satechi has announced the BT Smart Trigger, an iOS-controlled Bluetooth 4.0 shutter release for Canon DSLRs. It features multiple shooting modes including timelapse and long exposures, via the free Smart Trigger app. The trigger has a claimed battery life of up to 10 years and range of 50 feet. It is currently available for an introductory price of $44.99. An Android-compatible version will be available from March 2013. Read full story → Vimeo adds 'Looks' filter effects for videos Published on Thursday, February 28, 2013 7:48:46 PM GMT Video-sharing service Vimeo has partnered with video-editing company Vivoom, to add a filter effects tool called 'Looks'. More than 500 effects ranging from vintage to futuristic and can be applied during video upload. Each effect can be adjusted from 0-100% intensity. Looks will be free to Vimeo’s registered users for the next 90 days. Read more at connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Hands-on with weatherproof Sony Xperia Z and multi-screen YotaPhone Published on Thursday, February 28, 2013 9:13:19 PM GMT Day four at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and the team at connect.dpreview.com is still at the show, visiting manufacturer stands to find the newest in smartphone and tablet camera technology. We've added brief hands-on articles of the weatherproof Sony Xperia Z tablet and multi-screen YotaPhone. Click through for links to the latest content at connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Aptina signs patent cross-license agreement with Sony Published on Thursday, February 28, 2013 11:00:00 PM GMT Sensor maker Aptina has announced it has signed a patent cross-license agreement with Sony, that provides each company with access to the other’s patent portfolio. This agreement gives two prominent sensor makers access to some of each other's technologies for future development of cameras and other imaging products. Read full story → Samsung Galaxy S4 expected to be announced on March 14th Published on Thursday, February 28, 2013 11:04:29 PM GMT Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S4, its next flagship Android smartphone on March 14 at a press event in New York. The company took to its Twitter account this morning to tell followers to be ready '4' the next Galaxy. Read more at connect.dpreview.com Read full story → PocketWizard PlusX transceiver for wireless flash and camera triggering Published on Friday, March 1, 2013 3:00:00 PM GMT PocketWizard has added a budget model to its camera/flash radio trigger line: the PlusX 'auto-sensing' transceiver, that automatically switches between transmit and receive as needed. The PlusX offers the ability to trigger cameras and flashes over 10 radio channels. It features a side-profile design, backlit display, an internal antenna, and a dual-function LED indicating connection status plus battery life. PocketWizard PlusX will be available towards the end of March at a suggested retail price of $99. There is currently no information about the European price and availability. Read full story → Just posted: Fujifilm X-E1 Review Published on Friday, March 1, 2013 4:00:00 PM GMT Just posted: Fujifilm X-E1 review. With a sensor and imaging pipeline that is identical to the X-Pro1's the X-E1 promises much of the X-Pro1's fun in a more compact and affordable package. We've spent the past few weeks using the X-E1 intensely with the full range of lenses now available for the X-system, and have prepared a full in-depth review. Following the release of raw support from Capture 1 and much improved raw support from Adobe, the X-E1 (and X-Pro 1) just got a whole lot more appealing, too. Click through for a link to our full review.  Read full story → Nikon School to start in London from April 2013 Published on Friday, March 1, 2013 6:28:41 PM GMT Nikon has announced the launch of its Nikon School in UK. The company's education and training program that has been popular in the US for a decade will start in London from April 2013. It will offer photography courses, from beginner to advanced, to product specific courses and workshops. The company is currently offering £20 discount for online bookings. Click through for more information and links to the School's website. Read full story → Photojournalist unexpectedly documents domestic violence Published on Friday, March 1, 2013 8:51:10 PM GMT Freelance photojournalist Sara Naomi Lewkowicz recently recounted the events that led to her presence during an incident of domestic violence. The harrowing images that she captured illustrate, among other things, the extent to which this photographer was able to 'blend' into the lives of her subjects, capturing a scene in which you'd imagine an outsider would be prohibited from documenting. Yet Lewkowicz's account has drawn online detractors who question whether intervention, not documentation was the appropriate response. Read on for more details. Read full story → Think Tank releases three accessories for camera bags Published on Friday, March 1, 2013 8:53:33 PM GMT Think Tank has announced three new accessories for their camera bag line-up. The Low Rider Strap with a split-pad design attaches a second bag to one's main rolling luggage and is available for $29.75. The Pro DSLR Battery Holder, priced at $17.50 accommodates two full-sized DSLR battery packs. A limited edition Pixel Pocket Rocket holds CF and QXD memory cards. Priced at $18.75, this memory card holder was manufactured in just one production run and will be unavailable once the stocks runs out. European prices and availability information to be confirmed. Read full story → Polaroid Socialmatic concept camera may hit the market next year Published on Friday, March 1, 2013 8:56:16 PM GMT The Instagram Socialmatic concept camera, first announced in May 2012, could become a reality by next year following some recent agreements between Socialmatic LLC and C & A Marketing. The two companies would work together to bring the device to market under the Polaroid brand name. Intended as the Instagram app icon come to life, the stand-alone digital Polaroid Socialmatic Camera would both share images on the popular photo-sharing social network and print them using a built-in system. Read more about the proposed specs on connect.dpeview.com. Read full story → Phase One unveils IQ280, IQ260 and IQ260 Achromatic digital backs Published on Monday, March 4, 2013 5:52:40 PM GMT Phase One has unveiled the Wi-Fi enabled IQ260, IQ260 Achromatic and IQ280 medium format digital camera backs. The 60MP IQ260 and IQ260 Achromatic feature maximum shutter speeds of 1/10,000th of a second. The IQ260 Achromatic is a black-and-white version, with no color and IR filter. The cameras' wireless capabilities allow users to remotely capture and view images from iOS devices. All three backs feature 3.2" multi-touch rear screens with 1.15m dot resolution, and built-in accelerometers. They will be available from June 2013 at suggested retail prices starting from €29,990 /$39,990. Read full story → Canon develops high sensitivity full-frame CMOS sensor for video Published on Monday, March 4, 2013 7:30:37 PM GMT Canon has developed a 35mm full-frame CMOS image sensor designed for low-light video capture. The 16:9 sensor features a 1920x1080 pixel array, meaning each pixel measures a huge 19 microns along each edge - 7.5 times larger than the ones in the EOS-1D X. The large pixels and low readout-noise circuitry allow the sensor to capture light around 10 times less bright than current CCDs used for astronomy. The sensor will first be shown in public at a security show in Japan. Read full story → Wacom to release multi-touch mobile tablet in summer 2013 Published on Monday, March 4, 2013 7:37:38 PM GMT Graphics tablet maker Wacom has announced on Facebook it will launch a mobile multi-touch tablet this summer. While it has not posted any details about this device, Wacom's social media post says it will include a pressure-sensitive pen, multi-touch options, an HD display and 'other valuable features that you haven’t seen in other tablets'. Read full story → First Instagrams out of North Korea after opening of 3G network Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 1:02:09 AM GMT Last week North Korea started to allow foreigners to use a 3G mobile network from inside its borders. This means that tourists and visiting professionals alike can now tweet and upload instagrams from Pyongyang. However, access to mobile networks is still limited for locals. Two of the most notable Instagrammers in North Korea are Associated Press journalists Jean Lee and David Guttenfelder. Since the change, the journalists have used their accounts to present life inside North Korea. Click through to see their images. Read full story → Just Posted: Nikon Coolpix A preview - hands on with the DX compact Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 4:01:00 AM GMT We've had a chance to use the Nikon Coolpix A - the company's DX-format, fixed-lens compact. The Coolpix A features a 16MP APS-C sensor with no optical low-pass filter and a 28mm equivalent F2.8 prime lens. Nikon has done a lot of work to make the Coolpix A consistent with its DSLRs, from its interface to its compatibility with accessories. Click through for more. Read full story → Just posted: Hands-on preview of the Nikon Coolpix P330 Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 4:01:00 AM GMT We've just posted a hands-on preview of Nikon's latest small form-factor compact, the Coolpix P330. Externally almost identical to its predecessor the P310, the P330 features a larger 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS sensor and raw capture mode - two additions that should make it much more popular with enthusiasts, as well as putting it in direct competition with Canon's popular PowerShot S110. We've spent a little time with the P330, and for more details, images and specifications, click through to read our hands-on preview.  Read full story → Editor's opinion: Nikon's AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 4:01:00 AM GMT Nikon's AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR will be eagerly welcomed by many enthusiast and professional Nikon photographers who've been waiting for a replacement for its 12 year-old predecessor. The original 80-400mm was Nikon's first lens to offer vibration reduction but the intervening years have left it looking rather long in the tooth. The latest version boasts a new optical design, built-in SWM focus motor and much improved vibration reduction. In this short article, Barnaby Britton gives his opinion.  Read full story → Nikon launches 16MP DX-format Coolpix A and P330 enthusiast compacts Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 4:01:00 AM GMT Nikon has unveiled its first DX-format compact, the Coolpix A, alongside the enthusiast-focused Coolpix P330. The Coolpix A fits a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter behind a 28mm equivalent, F2.8 prime lens. The Coolpix P330, meanwhile, gains a 1/1.7" sensor and Raw-shooting capability, over its predecessor. The Coolpix A will cost around $1100/£1000/€1100, while the P330 will retail for around $380/£350/€380. Read full story → Nikon UK launches Coolpix L320 superzoom, US announces Coolpix S3500 Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 4:01:00 AM GMT Nikon Europe has announced the Coolpix L320 CCD-based superzoom, while Nikon USA has announced the Coolpix S3500. The 16MP L320 features a 22.5–585mm equiv. zoom lens, 3.0" LCD, 720p HD recording and runs on two AA batteries. It will be available from the end of this month at a retail price of around £199.99. Nikon USA has announced the Coolpix S3500, revealed last week in Europe. Read full story → Nikon unveils AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR telezoom Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 4:01:00 AM GMT Nikon has launched the AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, a redesigned version of the 12-year-old 80-400mm VR. The G version features an entirely new optical formulation, ring-type AF-S focus motor and revamped VR system capable of a claimed four stops of stabilization. Read full story → Nikon posts sample images and video from Coolpix A Published on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 7:21:41 PM GMT Nikon has posted a gallery of ten images and a video of the new Coolpix A DX-format compact camera. The camera features a 16MP APS-C sensor with no optical low-pass filter and a 28mm equivalent F2.8 prime lens. The images that Nikon has posted are taken by documentary photographer Doug Menuez in JPEG Fine (8-bit) mode. Click through for some images and a link to the full gallery.  Read full story → Hands-on with Photosynth for Windows Phone 8 Published on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 12:38:58 AM GMT Last week Microsoft released the Windows Phone 8 version of its Photosynth 360 degree panorama app, making it compatible with latest generation smartphones such as the Nokia Lumia 920, HTC 8X or Samsung Ativ Odyssey. We installed the app on Samsung's first Windows Phone 8 device, the Ativ Odyssey, and had a closer look at what it can do. Click through for our hands-on article. Read full story → Complete our survey for the chance to win an iPad Published on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 1:45:08 AM GMT US photographic trade body PMA and dpreview.com are conducting a survey looking for the views of dedicated amateur photographers. The survey asks about your photographic habits, the features you'd like to see in cameras and your use and experience of photo sharing sites and printing services. We're aiming to get a clearer understanding of what committed non-professional photographers want from their cameras and related services and your answers may even result in those things getting a bit better - including dpreview.com. Responses will be discussed at this year's 6Sight conference. As an incentive, one lucky respondent will be sent a shiny new Apple iPad with Retina Display. Read full story → Fujifilm gives more details on lens roadmap and XF 55-200mm telezoom Published on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 12:27:26 PM GMT Fujifilm UK has given more details of the upcoming XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS telephoto zoom for its X system cameras. Full specifications include an inner focusing system driven by no fewer than four linear stepper motors, and a promise of class-leading OIS with four to five stops correction, to go alongside the maximum aperture that's half a stop faster than typical SLR lenses covering the same range. The company says the lens will be available in May 2013. Meanwhile the promised XF 23mm F1.4 R and XF 27mm F2.8 R pancake are expected to appear in the middle of the year, and the XF 56mm F1.4 R and XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS at the end of 2013. Read full story → Just posted: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens review Published on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 7:18:39 PM GMT Just posted: Our review of Canon's top-end standard zoom, the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. Launched a year ago to replace its 10-year old predecessor, it's designed as a workhorse for professional photographers, and features a completely new optical design and improved, weathersealed build. In the latest of our lens reviews produced in collaboration with DxOMark, we take a look both lab and real-world performance. As usual, you can also compare it to a wide range of similar lenses using our unique lens data widget. Click through to see what we thought. Read full story → Panasonic announces upcoming firmware update for GH3 camera and lenses Published on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 7:20:53 PM GMT Panasonic has announced firmware updates for its Lumix DMC-GH3 high-end movie-focused mirrorless camera, the 14-42mm and 45-175mm power zooms and the 45-150mm. The GH3 update will allow users to connect to a computer via Wi-Fi by entering the computer name (NetBIOS names for Mac). It also adds an MP4 1080p60, 28Mbps mode to video recording. Meanwhile the lens updates promise improved autofocus performance in AF Continuous mode when mounted on the GH3. The updates will be available at the end of this month. Read full story → Online images and copyright infringement Published on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 8:06:55 PM GMT A dispute between Canadian pro photographer, Barbara Ann and Ottawa radio station HOT 89.9 illustrates the problematic climate in which companies often turn to the Internet for free photographic images. Someone at the radio station found, via a Google search, a wedding photo that was then used as part of a Keynote slide presentation made to potential advertisers. When contacted by the photographer, the station removed the image but the two parties remain far apart on an agreement over compensation. (via PetaPixel) Read full story →
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