Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Wednesday, 11 February 2015

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Wednesday, 11 February 2015 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 547th Digital Photography Review newsletter. I'm writing this on Monday, in the middle of final preparations for the CP+ show in Japan, later this week. As well as interviews with executives from several major camera and lens manufacturers, we'll also be getting our hands on some of the new gear that's been released recently, including The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and Canon's 50MP monsters - the EOS 5DS and 5DS R. Speaking of which... Nifty Fifty: Canon EOS 5DS / 5DS R First Impressions Review Canon's two newest professional DSLRs, the 50 megapixel EOS 5DS and 5DS R, share the distinction of offering the highest resolution available in the full-frame class. The 5DS uses an optical low-pass filter, while the S R's low-pass filter's effect has been cancelled out for optimal detail resolution. Aimed at studio and landscape photographers, the two models provide a 61-point AF module, dual DIGIC 6 processors and new mirror lockup options to help get the absolute most out of that high-res sensor. We've had our hands on the 5DS and 5DS R - take a look at what's new and find out our initial impressions. Click here to read our detailed first impressions of the Canon EOS 5DS/R Olympus OM-D E-M5 II First Impressions Review At a glance the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II appears relatively unchanged from its predecessor, so you have to look a little closer to see how much work Olympus has put into the new model. The E-M5 II uses a redesigned 16MP Four Thirds sensor and offers a 40MP high-resolution shot mode powered by its 5-axis image stabilization. Other features include 1080/60p HD video, a fully articulated 3" touchscreen and built-in Wi-Fi. See its high-resolution mode in action and learn more about the subtle improvements included in the E-M5 II in our First Impressions Review. Read our more about the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Rebels with a cause: Canon EOS Rebel T6s/T6i (760D/750D) First Impressions Review Canon has just refreshed the top part of its entry-level Rebel series and it's looking more serious than ever before. The Canon EOS Rebel T6s and its Rebel T6i sibling use the same 24.2MP APS-C sensor and offer a new Hybrid CMOS AF III system with sensor-based phase detection for improved live view focusing. We've spent some time with both models - take a look at a comparison between the models and our impressions on handling them. Read our more about the new Canon Rebel T6s and T6i   Hands-on with Canon's 'not-coming-to-USA' EOS M3 Alongside new full-frame and Rebel-class DSLRs, Canon also announced a new mirrorless camera this week - the EOS M3. The third in Canon's M-series range of mirrorless interchangeable lens models, the M3 uses the same 24MP APS-C format sensor and Hybrid CMOS III AF system as the new Rebel T6s and T6i, and features a control dial and articulating rear screen. Click here to read more about the new Canon EOS M3 Hands-on with Samsung's new NX500 Samsung has just taken the wraps off a new mirrorless camera, which inherits most of the features from the company's flagship NX1. The NX500 takes a lot of the core features of the NX1 and wraps them up in a much smaller, rangefinder-style body at a lower cost. We got our hands on an NX1 recently, to get a feel for how this new camera feels and operates. Click here to learn more Go wide! Hands-on with Canon's 11-24mm F4 L Canon's new 11-24mm F4 L wideangle zoom lens has been a long time coming. Canon's widest ever rectilinear zoom by some margin, the new 11-24mm may also challenge Nikon's venerable 14-24mm F2.8 as the tool of choice for landscape, property and architectural photographers. We got our hands on a prototype recently at Canon's US headquarters. Click here to learn more   What else is coming up? CP+ is later this week, so we're busy preparing for that, but there's still time for some more product announcements, too. Already, 2015 is looking like a pretty good year for consumer digital photography. Barney
News updates Drone maker DJI announces support for Micro Four Thirds standard Published on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 7:53:20 PM GMT Three companies joined the Micro Four Thirds system standard group this morning, including DJI, maker of both consumer and professional-level drones. JDC (GuangZhou) Optical Co., a small Chinese optics manufacturer, and Flovel Co., a Japanese optical company, both also announced support. Read more Read full story → Serif launches Affinity Photo, a Photoshop alternative for Mac Published on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 7:19:00 PM GMT Serif has launched Affinity Photo software, an alternative to Adobe Photoshop for Mac users. The company touches on a couple different notable selling points: its software is considerably cheaper than Photoshop, but no less robust, and comes with the added benefit of silky-smooth operation, at least according to its maker. Additionally, because it is newly created for the latest hardware, Serif says Affinity Photo offers performance that Photoshop struggles to match. Read more Read full story → Fujifilm adds new lenses and teleconverter to official X-Series roadmap Published on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 6:25:20 PM GMT A new macro lens, a miniature standard prime and a teleconverter have been added to the Fujifilm X-Series roadmap, while a previously hinted-at lens has been given a definite focal length range in an announcement from the company’s headquarters. The chart released indicates that a 1.4x teleconverter will be the first of the new products to become available in the second half of this year. Learn more Read full story → Sigma goes wide with 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens Published on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 5:00:00 AM GMT With the CP+ tradeshow in Japan about to kick off, Sigma has unveiled a 24mm F1.4 DG HSM wide angle prime lens, joining its 'Art' series of premium glass. Designed to cover a full-frame sensor, it will be offered in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts with availability and pricing yet to be announced. Read more Read full story → Sigma dp0 Quattro announced with 14mm F4 lens Published on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 5:00:00 AM GMT Sigma has announced its fourth compact in its unique Quattro series. The dp0 features a fixed 14mm F4 lens (21mm equivalent) along with the unconventional styling of its peers. Its Foveon X3 CMOS sensor is divided into three layers to record red, green and blue wavelengths separately, and the top layer captures 19.6MP of information. Read more Read full story → Nikon aims for the stars with the D810A, world's first full-frame astrophotography camera Published on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Nikon has announced the D810A: the first full-frame astrophotography-specific camera. This is the largest sensor to appear in a consumer astrophotography camera, bringing improved light capture capabilities to the discipline. It's essentially a Nikon D810 with a modified IR-cut filter to ensure the camera can capture light emitted by nebulae and additional features to support long exposure photography. Read more Read full story → Nikon announces Coolpix P610, L840, S9900, S7000 and S6900 compacts with emphasis on zoom Published on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT The pre-CP+ announcements keep on rolling in, and with them, new cameras from Nikon, including six zoom-centric, stabilized compacts that all sport 16MP CMOS sensors and built-in Wi-Fi/NFC. The P610 offers the greatest reach of the bunch, a 24-1440mm equivalent range. Read more Read full story → Nikon announces Coolpix AW130 and S33 rugged compacts Published on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Nikon has just refreshed its rugged camera lineup with the Coolpix AW130 and budget-friendly S33. The AW130 sports a 16MP CMOS sensor, 24-120mm equivalent zoom range, a 3” 920k dot OLED, 1080/30p video capture, Wi-Fi/NFC and built-in GPS. It can be submerged down to 30m/100 ft, is shockproof up to 2.1m/7 ft and freeze proof down to -10C/14F. Read more Read full story → Ricoh announces Pentax K-S2 with Wi-Fi, no blinking lights Published on Monday, February 9, 2015 10:00:00 PM GMT Ricoh has announced the Pentax K-S2 DSLR, offering a 20MP APS-C sensor, fully articulated LCD, weather-resistant construction and Wi-Fi with NFC. Where the K-S1 took an unconventional approach, the K-S2 is more traditional with a mode dial on the top panel, dual control dials and a standard grip without the preceding model's flashing LED lights. Read more Read full story → Ricoh WG-5 GPS updates rugged series Published on Monday, February 9, 2015 10:00:00 PM GMT Ricoh has introduced the WG-5 GPS, the latest in its line of rugged compacts. It exceeds its predecessor's shockproof rating of 2m to 2.2m, and maintains its other rugged specs including -10C/+14F degree freezeproof rating, 14m/45 ft waterproof capability and 100kgf/220lbf crushproof rating. The WG-5 uses a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, a 25-100mm equivalent zoom lens and as its name suggests, built-in GPS. Read more Read full story → Collapsible Pentax-DA 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE claims title of world's shortest zoom Published on Monday, February 9, 2015 10:00:00 PM GMT Ricoh has just announced a new collapsible standard zoom lens. The HD Pentax-DA 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE is the world's shortest zoom when its stored position, and is to be sold as a kit with the just-launched Pentax K-S2 DSLR. The lens offers weather-resistant construction for shooting in rain or mist, and uses Pentax's multi-layer HD coatings to reduce flare and improve light transmittance. Read more Read full story → Ricoh releases inexpensive all-weather AF201FG external flash Published on Monday, February 9, 2015 10:00:00 PM GMT Ricoh has announced the AF201FG external flash for Pentax interchangeable lens cameras. The AF201FG is weather-resistant, can tilt down ten degrees and up ninety, and has a  guide number of 20 meters at ISO 100. It also weighs just 141g (5oz). The AF201FG will be available in March for $149/£129. Read more  Read full story → Microsoft Image Composite Editor 2.0 offers new panorama features and improved interface Published on Monday, February 9, 2015 12:00:00 AM GMT Microsoft's Research's Interactive Visual Media Group has announced the release of Image Composite Editor 2.0. The software's latest update, taking advantage of the company's Photosynth technology, can seamlessly stitch together 'gigapixel images', create panoramas from video, and automatically fill in areas of missing photographs. Read more Read full story → Apple reveals Photos beta for developers Published on Sunday, February 8, 2015 1:00:00 PM GMT Last year Apple announced that it would replace both its desktop image management and editing applications, iPhoto and Aperture with one single app called Photos. Now the company has released a preview of the new software with a beta version of OS X 10.10.3 which has been made available to developers. As expected, Photos is much more consumer-geared than pro, and emphasizes iCloud Photo integration. Read more Read full story → Nifty Fifty: Canon EOS 5DS / 5DS R First Impressions Review Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:11:14 AM GMT Canon's two newest professional DSLRs, the 50 megapixel EOS 5DS and 5DS R, share the distinction of offering the highest resolution available in the full-frame class. We've had our hands on the new cameras - take a look at what's new and find out our initial impressions. Read more Read full story → Rebels with a cause: Canon EOS Rebel T6s/T6i (760D/750D) First Impressions Review Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has just refreshed the top part of its entry-level Rebel series and it's looking more serious than ever before. The Canon EOS Rebel T6s and its Rebel T6i sibling use the same 24.2MP APS-C sensor and offer a new Hybrid CMOS AF III system with sensor-based phase detection for improved live view focusing. We've spent some time with both models - take a look at a comparison between the models and our impressions on handling them. Read more Read full story → Hands-on with Canon's 'not-coming-to-USA' EOS M3 Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Alongside new full-frame and Rebel-class DSLRs, Canon also announced a new mirrorless camera this week - the EOS M3. The third in Canon's M-series range of mirrorless interchangeable lens models, the M3 uses the same 24MP APS-C format sensor and Hybrid CMOS III AF system as the new Rebel T6s and T6i, and features a control dial and articulating rear screen. Click through for more information and some images Read full story → Rebel Alliance: Hands-on with Canon's new Rebel T6s and T6i Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT The Rebels are coming, and they're more powerful than ever. Alongside the new full-frame EOS 5Ds and 5Dr, Canon has announced two new Rebel-class DSLRs, the T6i and Tsi (EOS 760D and 750D in Europe) with new 24MP sensors, improved Hybrid CMOS AF III and a host of other refinements. We got our hands on the new models recently to see for ourselves how they operate. Click through for pictures  Read full story → Go wide! Hands-on with Canon's 11-24mm F4 L Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon's new 11-24mm F4 L wideangle zoom lens has been a long time coming. Canon's widest ever rectilinear zoom by some margin, the new 11-24mm may also challenge Nikon's venerable 14-24mm F2.8 as the tool of choice for landscape, property and architectural photographers. We got our hands on a prototype recently at Canon's US headquarters. Click through for a closer look Read full story → Interview: Canon's Chuck Westfall on the EOS 5DS and 5DS R Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon's Chuck Westfall has seen the company introduce a lot of new technology, but it's safe to say he hasn't seen anything quite like the launch of the EOS 5DS and 5DS R. Our own Richard Butler sat down with Chuck to talk about the new 50MP sensor, what sort of noise performance and dynamic range we can expect to see from it and the cameras' intended audience. See video Read full story → 50MP Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R offer maxed-out resolution, slimmed-down video features Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has officially unveiled the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R, both of which offer a 50.6MP full-frame sensor inside virtually the same body as the EOS 5D Mark III. The effect of the EOS 5DS R's low pass filter has been cancelled out, but aside from that difference the two cameras are identical. Like the EOS 5D III the new cameras offer 1080/30p video but do not feature headphone jacks sockets or clean HDMI out. The 5DS and 5DS R will be available from June for $3699 and $3899 respectively. Read more Read full story → Canon EOS Rebel T6s and T6i introduced with boosted resolution and Wi-Fi Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has introduced two new DSLRs at the top end of its entry-level tier, the EOS Rebel T6s/760D and Rebel T6i/750D. They both provide 24.2MP APS-C sensor and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC (firsts for the Rebel series), while the T6s assumes the flagship role with a top panel LCD, quick control dial, horizontal level guide and additional manual controls in video mode. Read more Read full story → Canon EOS M3 to see European and Asian release with no plans for a North American launch Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has announced the EOS M3 in Europe and Asia, improving on its predecessors with a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, front control dial, Hybrid CMOS AF III AF system and an articulated 3.2" LCD capable of flipping up by 180 degrees. Building on the original EOS M, it also adds a more pronounced grip, a new DIGIC 6 processor, an exposure compensation dial on the top plate and Wi-Fi with NFC. It's expected to launch in April for £599.99/€769.99. Read more Read full story → Canon introduces 11-24mm f/4L USM wide angle zoom Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has added a new ultra-wide zoom to its EF lineup - the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM. The new lens offers the widest angle of view ever provided in a rectilinear full-frame DSLR lens, and uses 16 elements in 11 groups with a total of four aspherical elements for distortion control. Read more Read full story → Canon announces 'G3 X' with 25x zoom, to become available... at some point Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has announced plans for a 'PowerShot G3 X' enthusiast compact with a 1-inch type sensor and a 24-600mm equivalent lens. The company hasn't released much more detail at this time, but it's obvious from appearances that the G3 X is close in spirit to both the PowerShot G7 X and the G1 X Mark II. Read more Read full story → Canon rolls out PowerShot SX410 IS and ELPH 350 HS compacts Published on Friday, February 6, 2015 4:00:00 AM GMT Rounding out its pre-CP+ announcements, Canon has introduced two new PowerShot compacts - the SX410 IS and the ELPH 350 HS/IXUS 275 HS. The SX410 offers a 24-960mm equivalent zoom range, a 20MP CCD sensor, 720p video and Canon's Intelligent IS stabilization. The PowerShot 350 HS assumes a more compact form with a 25-300mm equivalent zoom range, 20.2MP CMOS sensor, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and 1080p video. Read more Read full story → Fujifilm adds film simulation to Raw File Converter EX 2.0 and tethered shooting for X-T1 Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 6:49:18 PM GMT Fujifilm is to release a new version of its Raw File Converter EX at the end of the month, bringing the film simulation modes used in its X-series cameras to the Silkypix-based desktop software package. Initially the new feature will be available for files shot with X-T1, X-A2, X100T, X30 and XQ2 cameras, but the company has said that other models will be included in a further update at a later time. Read more Read full story → Hands-on with Samsung's new NX500 Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 10:30:00 AM GMT Samsung has just taken the wraps off a new mirrorless camera, which inherits most of the features from the company's flagship NX1. The NX500 takes a lot of the core features of the NX1 and wraps them up in a much smaller, rangefinder-style body at a lower cost. We got our hands on an NX1 recently, to get a feel for how this new camera feels and operates. Click through for some images Read full story → Samsung introduces NX500 with NX1's 28MP BSI sensor Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 10:30:00 AM GMT Samsung has announced the NX500, which borrows many features from the NX1 starting with a 28MP APS-C-size BSI-CMOS sensor. It too provides 4K and UHD video recording, a sophisticated hybrid NX AF system III, tilting Super AMOLED display, and (naturally) built-in Wi-Fi. Read more Read full story → Olympus OM-D E-M5 II First Impressions Review posted Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 6:00:00 AM GMT At a glance the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II appears relatively unchanged from its predecessor, so you have to look a little closer to see how much work Olympus has put into the new model. The E-M5 II uses a redesigned 16MP Four Thirds sensor and offers a 40MP high-resolution shot mode powered by its 5-axis image stabilization. See its high-resolution mode in action and learn more about the subtle improvements included in the E-M5 II in our First Impressions Review. Read more Read full story → Olympus announces OM-D E-M5 II with 40MP high resolution mode Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 6:00:00 AM GMT Olympus has unveiled the OM-D E-M5 II. Picking up where its successor left off, the E-M5 II continues to offer weather sealing and 5-axis IS while adding a redesigned 16MP Four Thirds sensor and 5-axis image stabilization. The E-M5 II also boasts a 40MP high resolution shot mode, achieved by shifting the sensor in half-pixel steps and capturing eight images over a period of one second. Read more Read full story → Olympus 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II offers cosmetic improvements and optical coatings Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 6:00:00 AM GMT Olympus has announced a revamped, second generation of its 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 zoom. Resistant to dust and moisture, it uses a new ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating to protect against scratches and minimize flare. Read more Read full story → Olympus announces OM-D E-M1 firmware version 3.0 Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 6:00:00 AM GMT The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is about to get an update with the release of firmware version 3.0 later this month. The update's primary function is to boost maximum framerate from 6.5 fps to 9 when shooting in continuous AF mode, thanks to enhancements for the camera's 37-point phase-detect algorithm. Read more Read full story → Olympus 'Air' clip-on camera for smartphones coming to Japan Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 6:00:00 AM GMT Olympus Japan has announced the 'Air' - a new camera module which clips onto smartphones in much the same way as Sony's QX-series products. The Air features a 16MP Four Thirds sensor behind a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, a physical shutter release button and tripod mount. Uniquely, the camera will be released with an open-source API, allowing developers to come up with different applications and explore the potential of the new platform. Read more   Read full story → Olympus 8mm F1.8 'pro' fisheye in development Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 6:00:00 AM GMT Olympus has revealed plans for an 8mm F1.8 fisheye lens with its 'Pro' designation. The super-wide lens will offer a 16mm equivalent angle on a Micro Four Thirds body. Keeping with the trend in the Pro line, the lens will boast a splash and dustproof design. Read more Read full story → Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 updates rugged series Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 6:00:00 AM GMT Olympus has refreshed its rugged compact series with the Stylus Tough TG-860. It offers a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor and is capable of diving to greater depths than its predecessor, the TG-850 iHS, as it's waterproof to 15m/50 ft (compared to 10m/33ft). Other new features include Wi-Fi and a pair of customizable buttons. Read more Read full story → Ricoh announces development of long-awaited full-frame Pentax DSLR Published on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 10:00:00 PM GMT And so it was written that since the beginning of recorded time, Pentax shooters have predicted the release of a full-frame K-mount DSLR. Today, their prayers have been answered, as Ricoh has announced the development of exactly that. The company didn't share a whole lot of detail, other than to say that it will be compatible with DA lenses via a crop function and that it will be available by the end of 2015. Click through for (very little) additional information Read full story → Ricoh introduces HD Pentax D FA * 70-200mm F2.8 and HD Pentax D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 zooms Published on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 10:00:00 PM GMT Ricoh has announced two new zoom lenses for Pentax K-mount DSLRs, the HD Pentax-D FA * 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW and HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6ED DC AW. Both are designed to cover a full-frame sensor and are built to withstand exposure to dust and moisture. Read more Read full story → Wundershine smart frame prints, displays and stores your favorite images Published on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 8:51:32 PM GMT Dutch startup Wundershine has re-imagined the photo frame with Makerframe, a wooden frame that can print and display your images thanks to a built-in inkless thermal printer. Still in the development phase, the system is controlled via Android or iOS app. A simpler model called Reframe that doesn't include the printer is also in the works. Read more Read full story →
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