Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Wednesday, 28 January 2015

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Wednesday, 28 January 2015 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 545th Digital Photography Review newsletter. The CP+ show in Japan is almost upon us, and if last year is any guide, we're expecting some exciting new gear to be released in the next couple of weeks. We'll be at the show again too, and as well as getting my hands on any and all new equipment, I'm also hoping to revisit some of the interviews which I conducted last year with senior executives from several major camera and lens manufacturers. Ok - let's look at some recent content highlights... Little, Improved: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 review posted The Panasonic Lumix GM5 is an almost unthinkably small Micro Four Thirds camera with a 16MP sensor, 3" 921k-dot touch screen, 1080/60p HD video and built-in Wi-Fi. It follows in the already tiny footsteps of the GM1, adding a built-in EVF and more external controls to that camera's point-and-shoot approach. Does it stand tall in a competitive enthusiast mirrorless class? Click here to read our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 Google Nexus 6 camera review The latest in Google's line of showcase devices - the Nexus 6 - was designed and built in cooperation with US company Motorola. The Nexus 6 comes with the same dual-LED ring flash as the Motorola Moto X and a 13MP imaging sensor. However, at F2.0 its aperture is a touch faster and it comes with an optical image stabilization system which should make for improved low light performance. Click through to read our detailed review of its camera's performance Read our review of the Google Nexus 6's camera DPReview Readers' best shots of 2014 As the calendar flipped to 2015, we asked DPReview readers to look back at their photographic year and send us their favorite shots from 2014 so we could feature some standouts on our homepage. The response was overwhelming. We've sorted through 1400+ submissions and made selections of our favorites in three categories - people, places and things. Take a look at some of our readers' best work from the last year. View DPReview readers' best shots of 2014   Nikon D750 flare investigated: Why we're not worried Much of the talk on the internet since the launch of the D750 has been about flare, or the appearance of dark bands when bright light sources are just outside of the frame. Not all models are affected, and Nikon will service cameras that are affected for free. Nonetheless we wanted to see for ourselves what the problem looks like and how much of a cause for concern it should be for D750 owners. Click here to take a look at our analysis of 'Flaregate' Sports Illustrated lays off last remaining staff photographers On the eve of the Super Bowl, legendary US-based sports publication 'Sports Illustrated' has laid off its remaining six full-time staff photographers. According to Sports Illustrated director of photography Brad Smith, speaking to News Photographer Magazine, the decision was made due to 'economic circumstances'. Click through to read more, including an interview with Jordan Stead, staff photographer for the Seattle Post Intelligencer. Click here to read more What else is coming up? The situation is much the same as it was last week. Reviews of the Samsung NX1 (now complete with the latest firmware) and Nikon D810 are ongoing, and we're working hard on some exciting new content which I can't tell you about quite yet, but which I suspect you'll like a lot. Keep an eye on our homepage for that, over the next couple of weeks. If you've been following our readers' polls, there's still time to vote for your choice of the best overall product of last year, and we'll be announcing the final results next week. Thanks for reading! Barney
News updates Google Nexus 6 camera review Published on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 6:51:22 PM GMT The latest in Google's line of showcase devices - the Nexus 6 - was designed and built in cooperation with US company Motorola. The Nexus 6 comes with the same dual-LED ring flash as the Motorola Moto X and a 13MP imaging sensor. However, at F2.0 its aperture is a touch faster and it comes with an optical image stabilization system which should make for improved low light performance. Click through to read our detailed review of its camera's performance Read full story → Monterey Bay Aquarium uses GoPro to create new open source research camera Published on Monday, January 26, 2015 9:54:00 PM GMT The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has created an open source camera system for use underwater to aid in research projects. The rig is composed of a GoPro camera and other easily sourced components, and is cheaper than commercially available oceanographic camera systems. Learn more Read full story → 2014 DPReview Readers' Best Shots: Things Published on Sunday, January 25, 2015 5:43:08 PM GMT Picking favorites is hard. Nevertheless, our readers were up to the task when we asked them to submit their best shots of 2014. We received over 1400 submissions, and it was no small job picking favorites. We didn't need the reminder, but it underscored just how talented our readership is. Photos were divided into three categories and we settled on a small selection to feature in each. Read full story → DPReview Readers' best shots of 2014 Published on Sunday, January 25, 2015 5:43:00 PM GMT As the calendar flipped to 2015, we asked DPReview readers to look back at their photographic year and send us their favorite shots from 2014 so we could feature some standouts on our homepage. The response was overwhelming. We've sorted through 1400+ submissions and made selections of our favorites in three categories - people, places and things. Take a look at some of our readers' best work from the last year. See galleries Read full story → 2014 DPReview Readers' Best Shots: Places Published on Sunday, January 25, 2015 5:42:58 PM GMT Picking favorites is hard. Nevertheless, our readers were up to the task when we asked them to submit their best shots of 2014. We received over 1400 submissions, and it was no small job picking favorites. We didn't need the reminder, but it underscored just how talented our readership is. Photos were divided into three categories and we settled on a small selection to feature in each. Read full story → 2014 DPReview Readers' Best Shots: People Published on Sunday, January 25, 2015 5:42:47 PM GMT Picking favorites is hard. Nevertheless, our readers were up to the task when we asked them to submit their best shots of 2014. We received over 1400 submissions, and it was no small job picking favorites. We didn't need the reminder, but it underscored just how talented our readership is. Photos were divided into three categories and we settled on a small selection to feature in each. Read full story → Project from war-torn Ukraine wins Terry O'Neil Award for Italian photographer Published on Saturday, January 24, 2015 1:00:00 PM GMT The winners of the 2014 Terry O’Neil Award have been announced, with Italian photographer Giorgio Bianchi collecting the first prize with a documentary series covering the crisis in Ukraine. Behind Kiev’s Barricades won Giorgio £3000 and a commission for the UK’s Guardian newspaper. Take a look at some of the winning images. See gallery Read full story → Sigma promises firmware fix for Pentax mount 17-70mm f/2.8-4 lens Published on Saturday, January 24, 2015 12:30:00 AM GMT Sigma has acknowledged a problem that Pentax users are suffering from when the company’s 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM Contemporary lens is used on Pentax DSLR bodies with in-camera image stabilization activated. To rectify the issue the lens manufacturer has promised a firmware update for the lens, but hasn't yet specified a release date. Read more Read full story → Tamron announces SP 15-30mm F/2.8 release date and $1200 price point Published on Friday, January 23, 2015 9:01:14 PM GMT Tamron has announced availability and pricing for its much-anticipated 15-30mm F/2.8 stabilized wide angle zoom. Set for availability on January 30th in Canon and Nikon mounts with Sony to follow later, the lens will retail for $1199. Read more Read full story → Sports Illustrated lays off last remaining staff photographers Published on Friday, January 23, 2015 8:04:00 PM GMT On the eve of the Super Bowl, legendary US-based sports publication 'Sports Illustrated' has laid off its remaining six full-time staff photographers. According to Sports Illustrated director of photography Brad Smith, speaking to News Photographer Magazine, the decision was made due to 'economic circumstances'. Click through to read more, including an interview with Jordan Stead, staff photographer for the Seattle Post Intelligencer. Read full story → Samsung NX1 firmware v1.2 now available Published on Friday, January 23, 2015 6:14:00 PM GMT Samsung has released a major firmware update for the NX1. Announced earlier this month, firmware v1.2 bring additional features, increased customization and several menu refinements. DPReview was one of the organizations that provided Samsung with feedback on the camera and shooting with the new firmware over the past couple of weeks has shown us that several of the requests we made have been incorporated. Read more Read full story → 2014 Readers' Polls: The results are in! Published on Friday, January 23, 2015 12:45:00 AM GMT Late last year we asked you to vote for your favorite products of the 2014 in four categories: best lens, best high-end compact camera, best enthusiast ILC and best high-end ILC. Voting ran through January 20th and the results are in! Click through to see the results of our 2014 readers' polls, and for a chance to vote on the overall winner, which we'll announce next month.  Read full story → Adobe details OS support for next version of Lightroom Published on Thursday, January 22, 2015 8:02:00 PM GMT In a new blog post, Adobe has said Lightroom 6 will require a 64-bit operating system, meaning it will only run in 64-bit versions of Windows 7, or OS X 10.8 or newer. The announcement suggests Lightroom 6 will continue as a stand-alone application, rather than being swallowed into the company's subscription-only Creative Cloud program. Read more Read full story → Light and Motion launches Sidekick companion light for GoPro on Kickstarter Published on Thursday, January 22, 2015 7:04:43 PM GMT Light & Motion has introduced a new GoPro companion light called the Sidekick, and is seeking funding for its production on Kickstarter. The Sidekick is designed to attach directly to the GoPro's existing mount, eliminating the need to carry an external light, though it retains some flexibility via an optional armature for positioning the light. Read more Read full story → Rode unveils RodeLink wireless audio system Published on Thursday, January 22, 2015 12:06:12 AM GMT Australian microphone maker RØDE has announced a new digital wireless system called RØDELink. It uses 2.4GHz transmission with 128-bit encryption while transmitting on two channels simultaneously. The system can monitor and change frequencies as needed to maintain the strongest signal, transmitting a 24-bit/44.1k signal up to 100 meters. The first product based on the system, the RØDELink Filmmaker Kit, will be of interest to digital filmmakers. Read more Read full story → Nikon D750 flare investigated: Why we're not worried Published on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 4:32:00 AM GMT Much of the talk on the internet since the launch of the D750 has been about flare, or the appearance of dark bands when bright light sources are just outside of the frame. Not all models are affected, and Nikon will service cameras that are affected for free. Nonetheless we wanted to see for ourselves what the problem looks like and how much of a cause for concern it should be for D750 owners. Read more Read full story →
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Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Tuesday, 20 January 2015

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Tuesday, 20 January 2015 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 544th Digital Photography Review newsletter. I've spent much of the past few days being very envious of my colleague Scott's recent vacation in Hawaii (see our updated Sony Alpha 7 II samples gallery, below) as the weather here in Seattle has been cloudy and cold. I did escape for a couple of days last week to central California though to film the latest in our series of real-world video tests. Without giving too much away, things got pretty 'gnarly' for a while, but everything turned out alright in the end. Hopeful we'll have that video online for you very soon. Ok - let's look at some recent content highlights! New GF: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 flips for selfies The GF7 is the newest member of Panasonic's entry-level line of compact mirrorless cameras, this time with a heavy emphasis on social media. It takes many of its design cues from the Panasonic's stylish GM camera bodies, bringing fresh lines for a look that will appeal to photo purists. How does the new design influence the GF user experience? Click here to read more about the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 Real-world samples: Sony Alpha 7 II in Kauai Our initial samples gallery from the Sony a7 II saw the camera tested in a variety of real-world conditions, and now we've followed it up with even more samples from the mirrorless full-frame camera. Better yet, we tested it out in what is arguably one of the most photogenic places on Earth. And while it's nothing compared to actually taking a Hawaiian vacation, browsing through these samples is at least a small reprieve from the winter blues. View our gallery of samples from the Sony Alpha 7 II Tamron 14-150mm f/3.5-5.8 Di III real-world sample gallery The Tamron 14-150mm f/3.5-5.8 Di III is a superzoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It offers a 28-300mm equivalent range and uses a stepper motor for silent autofocus (including during video recording). Because it does not include any form of image stabilization, we used it on an Olympus camera, specifically the OM-D E-M1, which has 5-axis sensor-based IS. Click here to take a look at our sample images from the Tamron 14-150mm Nikon provides instructions for flare-affected D750 owners Nikon has just provided detailed instructions for D750 owners seeking to repairs to correct an issue related to flare. The company had previously announced plans to service affected cameras for free, and has just issued information that will help camera owners identify whether their unit is included under the advisory. Click here to read more What else is coming up? Reviews of the Samsung NX1 (now complete with the latest firmware) and Nikon D810 are ongoing, and we're getting ready to publish a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5, as well. Sam and Rishi have been busy in the studio, too and we'll be posting a lot of new content over the coming months including a detailed look at the so-called 'flaregate' issue which has affected Nikon's D750. Keep an eye on our homepage for that piece very shortly. Oh! And we're also collating the results of our 2014 readers' polls, so we'll have the results online before the end of this week. Thanks to everyone that voted. See you next week, Barney
News updates Manfrotto launches Off Road camera gear Published on Monday, January 19, 2015 10:37:14 PM GMT Manfrotto has introduced a new lineup of backpacks in its Off Road collection designed for outdoor photographers. The backpacks allow for both personal items and camera gear to be toted around, including the new walking sticks and tripods the company has also launched. Read more Read full story → The Wild Southwest: Jory Vander Galien's landscapes Published on Saturday, January 17, 2015 1:00:00 PM GMT Like many fine-art-nature photographers, Jory Vander Galien says that his passion for landscapes was ignited at a young age through National Geographic and Ansel Adams. How, he often finds himself at a location before dawn, ready to fight lightning and dust storms in order to capture the vast and volatile Southwest landscape. See his work and find out more in our Q&A. See gallery Read full story → Apple overtakes Nikon for 2nd spot in most-owned camera rankings of Flickr users Published on Friday, January 16, 2015 10:41:00 PM GMT Photo sharing website Flickr has published tables of its members' most used cameras and brands, in which Apple has overtaken Nikon for the first time. Canon remains the most popular brand used, according to Flickr's calculations, but in 2014 Apple knocked Nikon into third place, with Samsung moving ahead of Sony to take fourth. Read more Read full story → Canon US advises PowerShot owners of potential battery problem Published on Friday, January 16, 2015 7:34:27 PM GMT Canon has released an advisory note informing select PowerShot owners that their cameras might be affected by an issue with poor contact between the battery and battery terminal. Affected cameras include some PowerShot SX280 HS and S120 units among others, and owners are directed to check their serial numbers to see if their camera is included in the advisory. Read more Read full story → Tamron 14-150mm f/3.5-5.8 Di III real-world sample gallery Published on Friday, January 16, 2015 1:00:00 PM GMT The Tamron 14-150mm f/3.5-5.8 Di III is a superzoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It offers a 28-300mm equivalent range and uses a stepper motor for silent autofocus (including during video recording). Because it does not include any form of image stabilization, we used it on an Olympus camera, specifically the OM-D E-M1, which has 5-axis sensor-based IS. See gallery Read full story → Olympus Stylus 1 firmware update adds wide angle converter compatibility and interval shooting Published on Thursday, January 15, 2015 10:18:54 PM GMT Olympus has released v2.0 firmware for its OM-D styled premium compact camera, the Stylus 1, which will enable users to fit a wide angle converter to the lens. The update also introduces useful features like focus peaking, 35mm equiv. step zoom, interval shooting and time lapse modes. Read more Read full story → Budget X: Hands-on with Fujifilm's new X-A2 Published on Thursday, January 15, 2015 3:52:46 PM GMT Fujifilm has announced the X-A2, a new version of its X-A1 budget X-series mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, which incorporates mostly minor changes compared to its predecessor. Like the X-A1, the X-A2 uses a conventional Bayer-pattern CMOS sensor and offers virtually identical ergonomics but now comes with an LCD screen which tilts upwards to 175-degrees for selfies. Other improvements include the addition of Fujifilm's new 'Classic Chrome' film simulation mode. Click through for some images Read full story → Nikon USA addresses disappearance of D750 from retailers Published on Thursday, January 15, 2015 3:25:01 PM GMT Nikon USA has released a statement regarding the sudden disappearance of its D750 DSLR from US retailers. Just last week the company offered to repair D750's that have flare issues caused by the position of their AF sensors. The statement reads 'Nikon is working with retailers to replenish stock with cameras to which measures to address this issue have been applied. In late January, Nikon will announce details to service cameras from users, free of charge'. Read full story → Fujifilm announces X-A2 with selfie-friendly LCD Published on Thursday, January 15, 2015 5:00:00 AM GMT Fujifilm has announced the X-A2, a mostly minor update to the X-A1. The X-A2 offers a 175-degree tilting LCD that flips upward for easier self-portrait capture. Like its predecessor the X-A2 provides a 16MP APS-C CMOS Bayer-pattern sensor, unlike its unconventional X-Trans siblings. Read more Read full story → Fujifilm unveils Fujinon XC16-50mm II and XC50-230mm II kit lenses for X-A2 Published on Thursday, January 15, 2015 5:00:00 AM GMT Fujifilm has announced two zoom lenses which will be bundled with the new X-A2. The Fujinon XC16-50mm II F3.5-5.6 offers a 24-76mm equivalent range and has a closer minimum focusing distance than its predecessor. The XC50-230mm II F4.5-6.7 OIS provides a 76-350mm equivalent range on APS-C and improved image stabilization. Read more. Read full story → Fujifilm releases XQ2 premium compact Published on Thursday, January 15, 2015 5:00:00 AM GMT Fujifilm has announced the XQ2 premium compact camera which is the same as the XQ1, save for the addition of the Classic Chrome film simulation mode. As with its predecessor, the XQ2 features a 12 megapixel 2/3" X-Trans CMOS sensor, 25-100mm equiv. F1.8-4.9 lens, 1080/60p video, and built-in Wi-Fi. The XQ2 also has a customizable control ring around the lens for quickly adjusting your favorite settings. Read more. Read full story → Fujifilm announces new rugged and long zoom compacts Published on Thursday, January 15, 2015 5:00:00 AM GMT Fujifilm has announced several new fixed lens compacts including the FinePix S9900W, S9800 and the rugged XP80. The S9900W and S9800 both offer 24-1200mm equivalent zoom lenses and 5-axis image stabilization (for video only), though only the S9900W offers built-in Wi-Fi. The XP80 dives deeper than its XP70 predecessor, improving on its 10m/33ft maximum depth up to 15m/50ft. Read more. Read full story → Gary Fong launches virtual camera tutorial service Published on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 11:15:52 PM GMT Gary Fong has launched a new online instructional service, giving photographers a way to become proficient with select camera models in a unique way. Rather than providing a rote list of video tutorials, users are presented with a virtual version of a camera model that is fully interactive: buttons can be pressed, switches can be toggled, and menus can be explored. Read more Read full story → Nikon announces L- and S-series Coolpix compacts outside North America Published on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 10:18:00 PM GMT Nikon has announced new Coolpix compacts outside North America. The beginner-friendly models include the Coolpix S3700, Coolpix S2900, Coolpix L31 and Coolpix L32. The S3700 provides Wi-Fi and NFC, while the L32 and L31 use AA batteries. Read more Read full story → Venus Optics 60mm macro 2x lens promises high magnification on a budget Published on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 7:02:15 PM GMT Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology Company Limited, a new Chinese lens manufacturer, has introduced a 60mm lens under the Venus Optics brand name that it says can deliver 2x magnification macro photography. The f/2.8 manual focus lens is designed to cover both full frame and APS-C sensors for macro work, but will introduce vignetting when used at normal focus distances with the larger format. Read more Read full story → Promote Control extends support to Pentax 645Z Published on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 1:29:46 AM GMT Thanks to a beta firmware version, Promote Control adds support for the Pentax 645Z. The remote shutter control connects to compatible cameras via USB and offers a variety of shooting features including HDR bracketing of up to 45 images, timelapse and long exposure shooting. Read more Read full story → Metz launches Mecablitz 26 AF-1, a pocket-sized flash for hotshoe compacts and CSCs Published on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 10:31:44 PM GMT Lighting manufacturer Metz is to introduce a new miniature flash unit designed for use with small cameras, such as premium hotshoe-equipped compacts and compact system bodies. With a maximum guide number of 26m/85 ft at ISO 100, the Mecablitz 26 AF-1 is many times more powerful than the flash units that come bundled with, or built-in to, this sort of camera - and indeed many don’t come equipped with a flash at all. Learn more Read full story → CES 2015 Samsung Interview: Mirrorless to outsell DSLRs 'in three years' Published on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 8:11:00 PM GMT Since releasing the NX1 late last year, Samsung has been gathering feedback from users, and is preparing a major firmware update before the end of this month. We made time at CES in Las Vegas to sit down with Byungdeok Nam, Senior Vice President of Samsung's R&D team in the company's Mobile (formerly Digital Imaging) division, to speak about the NX1, the new firmware, and the mirrorless camera market in general. Click through to read our interview Read full story → Samsung promises extensive NX1 improvements with firmware v1.2 Published on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 7:18:41 PM GMT Samsung has announced a major firmware update for the NX1, which is claimed to bring a host of improvements. Firmware v1.2 - available later this month - will bring additional features, increased customization and several menu refinements. DPReview was one of the organizations that provided Samsung with feedback on the camera and shooting with it over the past few days has shown a selection of the requests we made have been incorporated. Read more Read full story → Samyang launches 135mm f/2.2 lens for stills and video Published on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 12:15:00 AM GMT Korean lens brand Samyang has released details of a 135mm lens it will bring to market with versions for stills and video photographers. The Samyang 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC stills lens will be accompanied by the Samyang 135mm T2.2 ED UMC VDSLR for cine and videographers. Read more Read full story →
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Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Wednesday, 14 January 2015

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Wednesday, 14 January 2015 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 543rd Digital Photography Review newsletter. Well we're back from CES, and although there was little 'new' at the show, we did have a series of very interesting meetings with manufacturers keen to tell us about products coming up next month at CP+ and beyond. I could tell you what's around the corner, but then I'd have to kill you, and that's just impractical. Moving on... CES 2015 Samsung Interview: Mirrorless to outsell DSLRs 'in three years' Since releasing the NX1 late last year, Samsung has been gathering feedback from users, and is preparing a major firmware update before the end of this month. We made time at CES in Las Vegas to sit down with Byungdeok Nam, Senior Vice President of Samsung's R&D team in the company's mobile division, to speak about the NX1, the new firmware, and the mirrorless camera market in general. Click here to read our interview with Byungdeok Nam of Samsung Fujifilm X100T real-world sample gallery posted The Fujifilm X100T is the third iteration of the company's enthusiast-level fixed-lens compact, and we've followed up our initial real-world gallery from the camera with even more samples. The majority of the images that follow were shot as JPEGs in the Classic Chrome film mode, a new film simulation not included in previous iterations of the camera. View our gallery of samples on the Fujifim X100T Beta Alphas: Sony shows mockups of upcoming FE lenses for Alpha 7 system Sony is showing mockups of four new lenses for its full frame FE series for the Alpha 7 on its stand at CES, as well as two wide angle converters. With only six FE lenses to choose from at the moment, Alpha 7 users will be pleased to see some physical evidence of these lenses that Sony initially announced on a roadmap at the Photokina show in September. Click here to take a closer look at Sony's upcoming FE lenses Opinion: The myth of the upgrade path Full frame cameras have never been more accessible but what does that mean for owners of cropped-sensor cameras? DPReview's Richard Butler argues that the existence of a full frame model in your brand's line-up doesn't mean there are intermediate steps you can take on the way there. Or that it's a destination you should necessarily aspire to. Click here to read 'the myth of the upgrade path' What else is coming up? The next thing on my calendar is another shoot in our series of real-world video tests of this year (and last year's) most important gear, so keep an eye on the homepage for that before the end of this month. Meanwhile we're almost done with our review of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and the team is also working hard on the Sony A77 II, and Samsung NX1 reviews. Barney
News updates Metz launches Mecablitz 26 AF-1, a pocket-sized flash for hotshoe compacts and CSCs Published on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 10:31:44 PM GMT Lighting manufacturer Metz is to introduce a new miniature flash unit designed for use with small cameras, such as premium hotshoe-equipped compacts and compact system bodies. With a maximum guide number of 26m/85 ft at ISO 100, the Mecablitz 26 AF-1 is many times more powerful than the flash units that come bundled with, or built-in to, this sort of camera - and indeed many don’t come equipped with a flash at all. Learn more Read full story → CES 2015 Samsung Interview: Mirrorless to outsell DSLRs 'in three years' Published on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 8:11:00 PM GMT Since releasing the NX1 late last year, Samsung has been gathering feedback from users, and is preparing a major firmware update before the end of this month. We made time at CES in Las Vegas to sit down with Byungdeok Nam, Senior Vice President of Samsung's R&D team in the company's Mobile (formerly Digital Imaging) division, to speak about the NX1, the new firmware, and the mirrorless camera market in general. Click through to read our interview Read full story → Samsung promises extensive NX1 improvements with firmware v1.2 Published on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 7:18:41 PM GMT Samsung has announced a major firmware update for the NX1, which is claimed to bring a host of improvements. Firmware v1.2 - available later this month - will bring additional features, increased customization and several menu refinements. DPReview was one of the organizations that provided Samsung with feedback on the camera and shooting with it over the past few days has shown a selection of the requests we made have been incorporated. Read more Read full story → Samyang launches 135mm f/2.2 lens for stills and video Published on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 12:15:00 AM GMT Korean lens brand Samyang has released details of a 135mm lens it will bring to market with versions for stills and video photographers. The Samyang 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC stills lens will be accompanied by the Samyang 135mm T2.2 ED UMC VDSLR for cine and videographers. Read more Read full story → Canon to move camera production back to Japan Published on Monday, January 12, 2015 7:25:34 PM GMT Canon wants to increase its domestic production over the next few years, something spurred by the falling value of the yen. According to Reuters, Canon is looking to increase its production in Japan from 40 percent of its overall output to 60 percent. Read more Read full story → Wild Things: Marsel van Oosten's landscape and wildlife photography Published on Sunday, January 11, 2015 1:00:00 PM GMT "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication," says wildlife and nature photographer Marsel van Oosten. A talented landscape and wildlife photographer, his imagery has been featured in a number of publications like National Geographic. Check out more of his work and peek inside his camera bag. See gallery Read full story → Quick Look: The art of the unforeground Published on Saturday, January 10, 2015 1:00:00 PM GMT 'It's all about the foreground'. Generations of landscape photographers learn this principle the moment they first pick up a camera. In this quick behind-the-shot look, professional landscape photographer Erez Marom argues for a compositional technique he calls the 'unforeground,' or lack of a defined foreground subject. Read more Read full story → Beta Alphas: Sony shows mockups of upcoming FE lenses for Alpha 7 system Published on Friday, January 9, 2015 8:14:00 PM GMT Sony is showing mockups of four new lenses for its full frame FE series for the Alpha 7 on its stand at CES, as well as two wide angle converters. With only six FE lenses to choose from at the moment, Alpha 7 users will be pleased to see some physical evidence of these lenses that Sony initially announced on a roadmap at the Photokina show in September. Scheduled to ship this spring, click through for a closer look at the upcoming lenses Read full story → Update: Nikon will service flare-affected D750s for free Published on Friday, January 9, 2015 6:07:40 AM GMT Nikon USA has issued an update to its communication around issues with flare in some D750 camera bodies. Following a statement in late December that the company was 'looking into' the matter, Nikon has announced that it will inspect and if necessary service affected cameras at no cost, starting at the end of this month. Click through for a link to the full statement Read full story → Upcoming GoPro Hero4 firmware will enable new photo and video features Published on Friday, January 9, 2015 12:01:00 AM GMT GoPro has released details about upcoming firmware updates for its Hero4 action cameras; the new firmware versions will be delivered next month, enabling new photo and video features like in-camera time lapse creation. Read more Read full story → Sony issues firmware 1.10 for Alpha 7 II Published on Thursday, January 8, 2015 10:46:41 PM GMT Announced in late November, the Sony Alpha 7 II has received its first firmware update. Somewhat thin on specifics, firmware version 1.10 promises improved image stabilization. The firmware details cite improvements in IS when half-pressing the shutter, in 'Focus Magnifier' mode, during movie recording, and with 'other functions'. Read more Read full story → Opinion: The myth of the upgrade path Published on Thursday, January 8, 2015 5:00:00 PM GMT Full frame cameras have never been more accessible but what does that mean for owners of cropped-sensor cameras? DPReview's Richard Butler argues that the existence of a full frame model in your brand's line-up doesn't mean there are intermediate steps you can take on the way there. Or that it's a destination you should necessarily aspire to. Read more Read full story → Toshiba announces world's first SDHC card with NFC Published on Thursday, January 8, 2015 12:00:00 AM GMT Toshiba has announced an SDHC card equipped with NFC, claiming it to be the world's first. With the corresponding 'Memory Card Preview' app downloaded to a mobile device, the user can tap the card to view thumbnails of 16 images and see available storage. Read more Read full story → G-Technology launches new G-DRIVE ev rugged portable storage with all-terrain-cases Published on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 7:02:34 PM GMT Digital storage brand G-Technology has announced a collection of new portable hard drives designed to survive in difficult environments. The two available G-DRIVE ev models, equipped with Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 connections, will come housed in what the company calls an ATC – All-Terrain-Case – said to be able to withstand a 2m/6.5 ft drop onto a carpeted concrete floor. The ATC is also water-tight and will float should the drive fall into a body of water, and can also be removed to house other drives in the G-Technology Evolution Series. Read more Read full story → Fujifilm X100T real-world sample gallery posted Published on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 1:00:00 PM GMT The Fujifilm X100T is the third iteration of the company's enthusiast-level fixed-lens compact, and we've followed up our initial real-world gallery from the camera with even more samples. The majority of the images that follow were shot as JPEGs in the Classic Chrome film mode, a new film simulation not included in previous iterations of the camera. See gallery Read full story → Toshiba offers FlashAir III wireless SD card Published on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 2:17:58 AM GMT Toshiba has announced a third generation of its FlashAir wireless SD cards. Like the previous version, the Toshiba FlashAir III acts as its own wireless LAN point for sharing to smartphones, tablets and computers. The newly introduced card boasts 'enhanced photo sharing and management features,' and maintains the same Class 10 rating as its predecessor. Read more Read full story → Kodak announces IM5 Android smartphone Published on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 1:30:00 AM GMT Before CES there were rumors that we would see a Kodak-branded mobile device at the show, but those who were expecting an innovative, imaging-centric gadget have been disappointed. The Kodak IM5 has arrived and appears to be nothing more than a nondescript, mid-tier Android smartphone with Kodak branding. Read more Read full story →
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