Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Tuesday, 9 December 2014

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Tuesday, 9 December 2014 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 539th Digital Photography Review newsletter. December is proving just as busy as November here at DPReview, as we work to finish the last of our 2014 reviews, and prepare for the new year. The Consumer Electronics Show is just around the corner, in early January, followed by CP+, the Japanese photo show, a month later in Yokohama. We're expecting new products at both shows, so keep an eye on our homepage. Heavy Hitters: 2014 High-end Full-Frame Camera Roundup Full-frame sensors have made their way into more and more cameras, and are no longer reserved for DSLRs only. Whether you are a pro, an enthusiast, or simply looking to upgrade to a body that offers the most firepower possible, we've got you covered in our high-end full frame camera roundup. Read our roundup of high-end full-frame cameras Rock-solid? Real-world samples from the Sony Alpha a7II A production-ready Sony Alpha 7 II just landed in our office and we wasted no time getting together some real-world samples. Sony's follow-up to the a7 comes with a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor with 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization. Its Hybrid AF system claims to be 30% faster and 1.5x better at tracking compared to its predecessor, and boasts a number of design refinements. View our gallery of sample images from the Sony Alpha a7II Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 review-in-progress posted The Lumix DMC-GM5 is the newest minuscule ILC from Panasonic. It joins its sibling (the Lumix GM1) by offering nearly all of the same imaging features, including a 16MP Four Thirds sensor, while adding enthusiast-friendly features like an EVF and additional controls. We've been looking at how it handles in the field compared to its predecessor. Take a look at our review-in-progress, complete with studio analysis and shooting experience. Read our review-in-progress of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 . Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD real-world samples The Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD is a general purpose 'carry everywhere' zoom for users of APS-C format DSLRs. Covering an equivalent focal length range of 24-450mm, this lens should be a perfect camera for travel and day-to-day use, allowing you to frame a huge variety of different subjects without changing lenses. We've been using one for a while and we've prepared a gallery of samples. Click here to view our gallery of samples from the Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD Medium well done: Two takes on the Pentax 645Z The Pentax 645Z is a highly sought-after camera, offering 50MP resolution from its medium-format CMOS sensor, and a range of features closer to those of a 35mm DSLR than a traditional digital MF camera. We've been working with the 645Z for a little while, running it though our studio tests to see what it's capable of. As part of this process we handed the camera off to David Wentworth, a local Seattle studio photographer, for his opinion. Our very own Sam Spencer - DPReview studio manager - provides another perspective. Click here to read our article 'Medium well done: Two takes on the Pentax 645Z' What's coming up? Our full review of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is very close to being ready, and we're also aiming to finish full reviews of the Nikon D810 hopefully also Samsung's new NX1 before the end of the year. I'm also preparing another set of end of year readers' polls, so that you can have your say in which products were your favorites of 2014. Hopefully those will be going live next week. Barney
News updates Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD real-world samples Published on Monday, December 8, 2014 8:01:00 AM GMT The Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD is a general purpose 'carry everywhere' zoom for users of APS-C format DSLRs. Covering an equivalent focal length range of 24-450mm, this lens should be a perfect camera for travel and day-to-day use, allowing you to frame a huge variety of different subjects without changing lenses. We've been using one for a while and we've prepared a gallery of samples. Click through to take a look Read full story → Heavy Hitters: 2014 High-end Full-Frame Camera Roundup Published on Monday, December 8, 2014 3:41:05 AM GMT Full-frame sensors have made their way into more and more cameras, and are no longer reserved for DSLRs only. Whether you are a pro, an enthusiast, or simply looking to upgrade to a body that offers the most firepower possible, we've got you covered in our high-end full frame camera roundup. Read more Read full story → High-end full frame roundup (2014) Published on Sunday, December 7, 2014 4:03:00 PM GMT Which high-end full-frame camera should I buy? This roundup contains the majority of current full-frame camera offerings available. Full-frame cameras have image sensors as large as a frame of 35mm film, and for good reason: larger sensors offer the potential for better image quality, low light performance, and dynamic range. If you want a drastic upgrade to the image quality of your phone, or portraits with superior subject to background separation, it’s hard to beat what full-frame offers.  Read full story → Behind the Shot: Dali's Dream Published on Sunday, December 7, 2014 8:54:00 AM GMT Nature photographer Erez Marom shares the story of his image 'Dali's Dream', taken in the Namibian ghost town of Kolmanskop. As usual, in this article he will cover preparation for the shoot, a walkthrough of the gear used to get the picture, and a detailed description of the post-processing work required to achieve the final shot. Click through to read more Read full story → All-in-one: ONA Capri bag review Published on Saturday, December 6, 2014 6:00:00 PM GMT ONA is known for high-end camera bags and accessories that go big on style - and price. The Capri leather tote is no exception - it's an attractive bag with padded storage for photo gear that could easily double as a high-end purse. Can it replace a camera bag and a purse, and is it worth the price? Read our review Read full story → Weird and wonderful: International science photography competition open for entries Published on Saturday, December 6, 2014 5:00:00 PM GMT Organizers of a worldwide competition for scientific photography are calling for entries for the International Images for Science competition. Photographers are encouraged to submit visually exciting and revealing pictures of objects and concepts relating to all areas of science. The competition, which is run by the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), is free to enter, and this year will be accepting work from members and non-members alike for the first time. Read more Read full story → CamsFormer is a programmable smartphone trigger for DSLRs Published on Saturday, December 6, 2014 12:11:45 AM GMT The feature-rich CamsFormer, currently looking for funding through Kickstarter, is a device that plugs into your camera or flash and is controlled wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet. It can trigger up to two cameras and allows you to remotely view and change a range of shooting parameters on your camera. Read more Read full story → Luminous Endowment announces first round of grant winners Published on Friday, December 5, 2014 11:44:00 PM GMT The Luminous Endowment, a charitable fund headed by Michael Reichmann, has announced its first round of grant recipients. Reichmann is the founder of Luminous Landscape, a website dedicated to fine art photography. His focus has shifted recently to the creation of the endowment, which awards merit-based grants to photographers seeking to start or complete projects, books or exhibitions. Read more Read full story → Phase One's new photo contest rewards winner with IQ250 loan Published on Friday, December 5, 2014 8:46:49 PM GMT Phase One has announced a new photo contest offering photographers a chance to win the use of a Phase One IQ250 medium format camera system for a month. The contest seeks submissions demonstrating the contest's theme "What the world's best __ is made of", and will run through the rest of the month. Learn more Read full story → Rumored Olympus OM-D E-M5 successor may offer resolution-boosting 'sensor shift' Published on Thursday, December 4, 2014 10:29:00 PM GMT Rumors are circulating about a possible successor to the Olympus OM-D E-M5. According to rumor site 43rumors.com, the camera is likely to be called the Olympus E-M5II or the Olympus E-M5 Mark II and is said to feature a 16MP sensor but with a sensor shift function allowing users to boost resolution up to an equivalent 40MP. Read more (albeit not all that much more) Read full story → DxO OpticsPro update adds Canon 7D II, GoPro Hero4 Black Edition support Published on Thursday, December 4, 2014 10:12:31 PM GMT DxO's latest update to its Optics Pro software, version 10.1, brings compatibility with several new camera models including the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, PowerShot G7 X and GoPro Hero4. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are also included, and this update also makes OpticsPro 10 compatible with star rating systems used by Lightroom and other programs using XMP data. Read more Read full story → Sony Alpha 7 II real-world sample gallery posted Published on Thursday, December 4, 2014 9:25:00 PM GMT A production-ready Sony Alpha 7 II just landed in our office and we wasted no time getting together some real-world samples. Sony's follow-up to the a7 comes with a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor with 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization. Its Hybrid AF system claims to be 30% faster and 1.5x better at tracking compared to its predecessor, and boasts a number of design refinements. See gallery Read full story → Casio launches EX-MR1 selfie camera with lens behind a mirror Published on Thursday, December 4, 2014 7:01:08 PM GMT Casio has taken the selfie camera a logical step forward with a new design. The Casio Exilim EX-MR1 uses a lens behind a large mirror so that shooters can check their appearance as they take a picture. The camera, which the company seems to be targeting at women, is a 14MP compact camera with an extra wide angle 4x zoom that starts at 21mm equivalent - a focal length Casio says is optimal for taking self-portraits. Read more Read full story → New photo filters added to Twitter iOS and Android apps Published on Thursday, December 4, 2014 12:07:45 AM GMT Twitter has launched an update to its mobile apps for iOS and Android bringing a range of new photo filters. In addition to new filter options, filter strength can now be adjusted via a slider, providing more control over the final result. Read more Read full story → F-Stop Gear's Kashmir camera bag is designed for women Published on Thursday, December 4, 2014 12:06:41 AM GMT F-Stop Gear has introduced Kashmir, a camera backpack designed specifically for women. Kashmir is billed as an ultra-light camera pack with a harness system and torso height adjusted to complement a woman's body, something accomplished through the use of an Ultra Lite EVA-padded hip belt and what the maker says are 'female specific S-shoulder straps'. The bag is being funded through Kickstarter. Read more Read full story → Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 review-in-progress posted Published on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 10:22:00 PM GMT The Lumix DMC-GM5 is the newest minuscule ILC from Panasonic. It joins its sibling (the Lumix GM1) by offering nearly all of the same imaging features, including a 16MP Four Thirds sensor, while adding enthusiast-friendly features like an EVF and additional controls. We've been looking at how it handles in the field compared to its predecessor. Take a look at our review-in-progress, complete with studio analysis and shooting experience. Read more Read full story → Real-world test: Nikon D750 at the Museum of Flight Published on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 10:28:00 PM GMT The D750 is Nikon's enthusiast-oriented full-frame DSLR, featuring a 24MP sensor and a raft of high-end features borrowed from the D810 and D4S. These include a tweaked version of their highly capable 51-point AF system and a very solid HD video specification. We're working on a full review of the D750 right now, and as part of that process we made a short video, highlighting some of the camera's key features in real-world use. Click through to watch. Read full story → Documentary photographer turns to video for 'The Long Night' Published on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 6:30:00 PM GMT A multimedia journalist by trade, Tim Matsui's still photography projects have taken him from native Alaskan villages to Brazilian Air Force training facilities. Matsui shares with us his journey in creating his latest documentary work, from its beginnings in still photography to the adaptations he made to turn it into a video production. Learn more about his work on 'The Long Night,' a documentary debuting this week that looks into human trafficking in Seattle. Read our Q&A Read full story → creativeLIVE presents 'The Art of Wildlife Photography' with Tom Mangelsen Published on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 4:45:00 PM GMT creativeLIVE is hosting a two day live workshop with nature photographer Tom Mangelsen. The class will be broadcast live from 9am today, December 2nd (Pacific time) and will cover everything from gear and location scouting advice to wildlife etiquette. It also includes a critique and portfolio review of viewers' images. The class is free to watch live and costs $99 for the rebroadcast. Click through for a link Read full story → DPReview Recommends: Best Compact Cameras for Enthusiasts Published on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 12:07:00 AM GMT There's a long tradition of high-quality compact cameras and today there are some incredibly capable compact cameras on the market. Top-notch lenses, great sensors and plenty of control are the hallmarks of every one of our top five recommended compact cameras for enthusiasts. Read full story → DPReview Recommends: Best Cameras for Beginners Published on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 12:06:00 AM GMT Choosing a first camera is extremely important. You want to make sure that the beginner has room to grow as they learn more, but you don't want to put them off with a lot of options that they might not understand. We've prepared some recommendations for you. Read full story → DPReview Recommends: Best Compact Cameras for Travel Published on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 12:06:00 AM GMT There's a big world out there, just waiting for you to explore it. In our opinion, a camera is one of the best traveling companions you can have. Here are our top five recommendations. Read full story → DPReview Recommends: Best Cameras for Social Photography Published on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 12:06:00 AM GMT Social photography didn't always mean snapshot selfies taken on a smartphone. For this list we've selected five of our top recommendations for cameras that you should consider taking out socially, to informal or special occasions. Read full story → DPReview Recommends: Best Interchangeable Lens Cameras for Under $1000 Published on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 12:06:00 AM GMT A few years ago, the idea of a DSLR under $1000 was just a distant dream, but these days the financial bar to entry is much lower than it was in the past. Here's our list of the top five interchangeable lens cameras that we'd currently recommend for under $1000 - including a kit zoom lens. Read full story → DPReview Recommends: Best Waterproof Cameras Published on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 12:06:00 AM GMT Most cameras are delicate objects, and the last thing you want to do is drop them or subject them to wet or freezing conditions. But there are cameras which are specifically designed to handle rough treatment. In this list, we've chosen our top five recommendations for waterproof cameras. Read full story →
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