Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Wednesday, 15 April 2015

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Wednesday, 15 April 2015 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 556th Digital Photography Review newsletter. As promised, late last week we published our review of the Samsung NX1 - a product which has really shaken up the market - and not just for mirrorless cameras. We've also been covering news from the NAB show in Last Vegas, and we'll follow-up with a roundup of the most important announcements at the end of the week. OK, let's take a look at some recently-published content! In a class of its own: Samsung NX1 review Samsung's NX1 seemed to offer pretty much every feature possible when we were first briefed about it last year. Its 28.2MP APS-C BSI sensor, hybrid AF system, 4K video and 15 fps continuous shooting with AF have continued to impress us throughout our extensive testing. Can such an innovative on-paper feature set make it a serious competitor to well-established brands in the DSLR and mirrorless worlds? Read our review of the Samsung NX1 Video Field Test: Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD Tamron claims that its new SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD offers prime lens quality across its focal length range, paired with a fast maximum aperture and - uniquely in its class - an optical vibration compensation system. We've been impressed by how this wideangle zoom performs in our studio, but that's only half the story. Our latest video field test follows DPReview technical editor Rishi Sanyal as he uses the Tamron 15-30mm to shoot architecture, cityscapes and waterfalls. Watch our video field test of Tamron's new SP 15-30mm F2.8 zoom Samsung Galaxy Note 4 camera review The Note 4 is the latest iteration of Samsung's top-end line of so-called 'phablets'. In terms of design the new model is very close to its predecessor, the Galaxy Note 3, but under the hood, things have been upgraded significantly. A 1/2.6-inch 16MP BSI CMOS image sensor and F2.2 maximum aperture are shared with the Galaxy S5 but the Note 4 has gained an optical image stabilization system which makes it the first Samsung smartphone with this feature. Read our review of the Samsung Galaxy Note's camera Jet Set: The travel photography and photojournalism of Mark Edward Harris With nearly thirty years of photography as well as almost ninety countries under his belt, travel, editorial and reportage photographer Mark Edward Harris has dedicated his eye to capturing life. His career in photography began as a still shooter for the Merv Griffin Show, but it was a four month trek through Asia when the show ended that first ignited his true love; travel photography. Read more about Harris' photography as well as his tips on traveling light in our Q+A. Click here to view Mark Edward Harris's portfolio CP+ 2015: Nikon Interview - 'We learned from the D600 episode' When we attended CP+ earlier this year in Yokohama, Japan we sat down with senior executives from several major camera and lens manufacturers. We were lucky enough to sit down with a number of Nikon engineers to ask them about their overall strategy with respect to FX vs DX, and DSLR vs mirrorless. We were also able to ask pointed technical questions regarding innovative technologies in Nikon cameras, and the answers were very enlightening. Click here to read our interview with senior Nikon executives and engineers What else is coming up? With the Samsung NX1 out of the way we're focused on adding the final pieces to our review of the Sony SLT-A77 II. Work continues on our review of Nikon's latest high-end DX format DSLR, the D7200, too, and after that we're hoping to (finally) hammer the long-awaited Nikon D810 review into shape. Also expect some more updates from the NAB show in Las Vegas, which is taking place this week. Barney
News updates Video Field Test: Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD Published on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 10:57:00 PM GMT Tamron claims that its new SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD offers prime lens quality across its focal length range, paired with a fast maximum aperture and - uniquely in its class - an optical vibration compensation system. We've been impressed by how this wideangle zoom performs in our studio, but that's only half the story. Our latest video field test follows DPReview technical editor Rishi Sanyal as he uses the Tamron 15-30mm to shoot architecture, cityscapes and waterfalls. Watch the video  Read full story → Pentax K-S2 added to studio scene Published on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 6:43:00 PM GMT Historically, Pentax's entry- and mid-range DSLRs have managed to offer a number of features usually reserved for higher-end models, and the K-S2 is no exception. Omitting the blinking lights and unconventional mode dial placement of its K-S1 sibling, the K-S2 provides a 20MP APS-C sensor, fully articulated 3" 921k-dot LCD, 100% coverage optical viewfinder, and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC. Take a look at how it performs against other cameras in its class. Read more Read full story → Sony announces Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 and EVF-equipped DSC-HX90V compact superzooms Published on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 1:00:00 AM GMT Sony has announced the Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V and DSC-WX500, two travel zooms which the company claims are the world's smallest. Both cameras boast an 18.2MP BSI-CMOS sensor plus a 30x, 24-720mm equiv. lens with optical image stabilization, 3" LCD that tilts upward, a control ring around the lens, 1080/60p video using the XAVC S codec, and Wi-Fi with NFC. The HX90V adds a pop-up OLED viewfinder similar to the one in the RX100 III, as well as built-in GPS. Read more Read full story → Manfrotto unveils Digital Director for iPad Air Published on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 12:18:25 AM GMT Manfrotto has used the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show as launching pad for the Digital Director, a bracket designed to turn an iPad Air into an external monitor for Canon and Nikon DSLRs. By connecting the Digital Director to a camera via USB and opening the app of the same name, a Live View feed is provided and exposure settings can be controlled by the iPad. Read more Read full story → Meet the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera, a Super 16 action camera with a Micro Four Thirds mount Published on Monday, April 13, 2015 11:22:00 PM GMT Blackmagic revealed the Micro Cinema Camera today, a lightweight professional-grade action camera with a Micro Four Thirds lens mount and a Super 16 sensor. GoPros may be good enough for your extreme family vacation and your cousin Jeremy's POV skateboard videos, but Blackmagic is counting on pro filmmakers needing more. Read on Read full story → Red introduces 'Weapon' camera with 8K sensor option Published on Monday, April 13, 2015 7:49:00 PM GMT Red has unveiled its latest camera body and announced its next-generation 8K sensor. The Weapon body will be produced in magnesium alloy or carbon fiber and is available as an upgrade for users with the 6K 'Dragon' sensor. Anyone making the upgrade to the Carbon Fiber version will then be able to pay extra to get the forthcoming 8K sensor. Read more Read full story → Tiffen adds more filters, looks and faster processing with version 4 of its Dfx software Published on Monday, April 13, 2015 7:25:11 PM GMT Tiffen has announced an updated version of its Dfx photo and video editing software that adds new filters, historic process simulations and extra tools, as well as wider compatibility with movie editing programs. Tiffen Dfx produces effects like those created by the company’s optical glass filters, with the latest version 4 adding 12 extra 'filters' to the menu system, including the company’s new Pearlescent and Satin diffusers. Read more Read full story → Samsung Galaxy Note 4 camera review Published on Monday, April 13, 2015 6:51:02 PM GMT The Note 4 is the latest iteration of Samsung's top-end line of so-called 'phablets'. In terms of design the new model is very close to its predecessor, the Galaxy Note 3, but under the hood, things have been upgraded significantly. A 1/2.6-inch 16MP BSI CMOS image sensor and F2.2 maximum aperture are shared with the Galaxy S5 but the Note 4 has gained an optical image stabilization system which makes it the first Samsung smartphone with this feature. Read our full review at connect.dpreview.com Read full story → DPReview recommends: Best smartphone cameras [UPDATED] Published on Monday, April 13, 2015 6:47:00 PM GMT In many users' pockets consumer-level digital compact cameras have been replaced by smartphones. The cameras of the latter don't usually have zoom lenses or xenon flashes but image sensor technology has been rapidly improving, making smartphones important photographic tools for many. We've made a list in no particular order our current favorite smartphone cameras for those who are looking to buy their first smartphone or upgrade their current device. UPDATED TO INCLUDE SAMSUNG NOTE 4 Read more Read full story → Panasonic DMC-GH4 firmware v2.2 brings 4:3 shooting for anamorphic shooters Published on Monday, April 13, 2015 5:01:00 PM GMT Panasonic has announced firmware v2.2 for the GH4 to make it easier to use anamorphic lenses with the camera. The new anamorphic mode allows the camera to capture video from a 4:3 aspect ratio chunk from the middle of the sensor to match the projection of specialist lenses, allowing genuine anamorphic capture, rather than digital simulation of the look. Read full story → Canon USA drops prices on 31 high-end L lenses Published on Monday, April 13, 2015 4:52:00 PM GMT Canon USA has dropped the price of 31 of its high-end L-series prime and zoom lenses, by between $30 and $800. Several popular zooms like the EF 24-70mm F2.8 II USM and EF 70-200mm F2.8 IS II USM have been discounted by $100 and very high-end primes like the 400mm + F2.8 sports lenses have dropped in price by $500. Meanwhile the Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III have been reduced by $20. Click through for a full list Read full story → Olympus brings Stylus 1s enthusiast super zoom to the US Published on Monday, April 13, 2015 5:00:00 AM GMT Olympus has announced the Stylus 1s in the US, a camera it had previously announced in Japan last year. This enthusiast compact features much of the same hardware as its predecessor, the Olympus Stylus 1, including a 12MP 1/1.7" BSI CMOS sensor, 28-300mm equivalent F2.8 lens, and integrated Wi-Fi. Added features include a redesigned grip, higher-capacity BLS-50 battery, Small AF target mode, and Step Zoom with nine preset zoom positions. Read more Read full story → Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4 to offer Raw capture Published on Monday, April 13, 2015 5:00:00 AM GMT Olympus has announced a new flagship rugged compact, the Stylus Tough TG-4. It offers modest improvements over its TG-3 predecessor, namely Raw shooting capability. It offers the same 16MP BSI CMOS sensor as the previous model, a 25-100mm equivalent f/2.0-4.9 zoom lens, Wi-Fi, and a built-in GPS. Read more Read full story → Jet Set: The travel photography and photojournalism of Mark Edward Harris Published on Sunday, April 12, 2015 12:00:00 PM GMT With nearly thirty years of photography as well as almost ninety countries under his belt, travel, editorial and reportage photographer Mark Edward Harris has dedicated his eye to capturing life. His career in photography began as a still shooter for the Merv Griffin Show, but it was a four month trek through Asia when the show ended that first ignited his true love; travel photography. Read more about Harris' photography as well as his tips on traveling light in our Q+A. See gallery Read full story → Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 real-world sample gallery posted Published on Saturday, April 11, 2015 7:19:00 PM GMT The latest from Lensbaby, the Velvet 56mm f/1.6, is designed to bring soft, dream-like effects to portraiture. It also provides a minimum focus distance of 5 inches for macro work. It's by no means cheap for what it offers at $499.95, but for some photographers will offer the ability to capture soft focus effects in-camera rather than through processing. We took the Velvet 56 out for a spin. See gallery Read full story → CP+ 2015: Nikon Interview - 'We learned from the D600 episode' Published on Friday, April 10, 2015 8:39:00 PM GMT When we attended CP+ earlier this year in Yokohama, Japan we sat down with senior executives from several major camera and lens manufacturers. We were lucky enough to sit down with a number of Nikon engineers to ask them about their overall strategy with respect to FX vs DX, and DSLR vs mirrorless. We were also able to ask pointed technical questions regarding innovative technologies in Nikon cameras, and the answers were very enlightening. Click through to read the interview Read full story → Nikon firmware update to allow improved communication with Atomos recording devices Published on Friday, April 10, 2015 6:09:09 PM GMT Nikon has announced that it will release new firmware for three of its DSLRs, improving their ability to communicate with the Atomos Shogun and Ninja-2 external video recording devices. The cameras concerned are the Nikon D4S, the D810 and the D750 and the update is slated to arrive this summer. Read more Read full story → Fotodiox pays 'homage' to Hasselblad Stellar with wooden grip for Sony RX100 series Published on Thursday, April 9, 2015 9:37:00 PM GMT Accessories brand Fotodiox has introduced a cherry wood hand grip for the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III that it says is 'inspired' by the Hasselblad Stellar special edition cameras first launched in 2013. At $59.95 it makes a somewhat more affordable solution, even when you add the price of the camera, than the $1650 Hasselblad wanted for last year's Stellar II. Read more Read full story → Linkedin announces lynda.com acquisition Published on Thursday, April 9, 2015 8:00:05 PM GMT Linkedin has announced plans to acquire lynda.com, home to extensive online photography classes. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015, bringing lynda.com's library of educational content to Linkedin's professional networking site, all for approximately $1.5 billion. Read more  Read full story → Apple releases OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 update with Photos app Published on Thursday, April 9, 2015 6:27:49 PM GMT Apple has released the OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 update, and among its features is the new Photos app that has been available to developers since February. Photos replaces Aperture and iPhoto, and is designed to work better with the company's mobile products. Read more Read full story → In a class of its own: Samsung NX1 review Published on Thursday, April 9, 2015 5:36:00 PM GMT Samsung's NX1 seemed to offer pretty much every feature possible when we were first briefed about it last year. Its 28.2MP APS-C BSI sensor, hybrid AF system, 4K video and 15 fps continuous shooting with AF have continued to impress us throughout our extensive testing. Can such an innovative on-paper feature set make it a serious competitor to well-established brands in the DSLR and mirrorless worlds? Read review Read full story → DJI Phantom 3 introduced in 4K and 1080p-only variations Published on Thursday, April 9, 2015 1:24:43 AM GMT DJI has announced the Phantom 3 in two versions: the Professional, capable of 4K video, and the Advanced, which shoots 1080p. Both capture 12MP stills thanks to a 1/2.3" Sony EXMOR sensor and offer an f/2.8 lens with a 20mm equiv. angle of view. A 3-axis gimbal keeps the camera unit steady in flight. Read more Read full story → Venus Optics offers hotshoe Macro Twin Flash KX-800 with guide number of 190ft/58m Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 6:49:00 PM GMT Chinese flash manufacturer Venus Optics has launched a double headed macro flash unit, claiming that it has the highest guide number in the world for such a device. The Kuangren Macro Twin Flash KX-800 uses a pair of flash heads on extending flexible arms that can be positioned in front of the lens for extreme close-up work. Another arm houses an LED light to help with focusing. Read more Read full story → LaCie updates Rugged Thunderbolt lineup with 1TB SSD option Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 6:04:29 PM GMT LaCie has introduced a new Rugged Thunderbolt external drive, updating its lineup with a 1TB SSD. This is double the previous Rugged drive's 500GB capacity, and is coupled with a rugged external housing able to withstand water exposure, shock, and dust. The inclusion of a Thunderbolt connection, meanwhile, enables fast transfer speeds compared to typical external hard drive speeds. Read more Read full story → Opinion: Why the Canon XC10 is a big deal Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 4:35:00 PM GMT Today Canon released the XC10, a camera that for all practical purposes is equal part a stills and a video camera. It promises to deliver not only both types of media, but an appropriate user experience for either type of shooting. It may be the first true 'convergence' camera. Learn more about this camera and why it's a significant milestone of technology. Read more Read full story → Canon XC10: What you need to know Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 1:00:00 PM GMT Canon's new XC10 is the first product we've seen which is neither a stills camera with a video feature or a video camera that can capture stills. In terms of both specification and ergonomics it is a true 'convergence' product with the potential to shake up more than one market segment. We've been poring over the specifications for a while now - here's what you need to know  Read full story → Canon XC10 digital camcorder brings 4K video and stills together Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 1:00:00 PM GMT Canon has released its XC10 digital camcorder which combines advanced 4K video recording with capable still shooting features. The core features are a 12MP 1" CMOS sensor and a fixed F2.8-5.6 image stabilized lens equivalent to 27-270mm for videos and 24-240mm for stills. 4K UHD video is captured using the XF-AVC Intra codec (which offers bit rates up to 305MBps) and 8MP stills can be grabbed from 4K video. Other notable features include a rotating grip, tilting LCD, and built-in Wi-Fi. Read more. Read full story → Canon C300 Mark II announced with new 8.85MP 35mm sensor and 4K recording Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 1:00:00 PM GMT Canon has announced the EOS C300 Mark II Cinema EOS camera, updating its predecessor with a new 8.85 megapixel 35mm sensor allowing 4K shooting. Also new are Dual DIGIC DV5 processors bringing the ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 4K (UHD or DCI) video internally thanks using the new XF-AVC Codec. Read more Read full story → Datacolor offers Spyder5 with redesigned calibrator Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 12:27:00 AM GMT Color management company Datacolor has announced a new version of its Spyder monitor calibrating tool that it claims offers up to 55% improvement in tonal response, leading to 'more accurate shadow detail and smoother gradients.' The body of the new Spyder5 calibrator has been redesigned, somewhat losing the spider legs that got the series it name. Read more Read full story →
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