Watch London 2012 Onlympics HereWatch London 2012 Onlympics HereWatch London 2012 Onlympics HereWatch London 2012 Onlympics HereWatch London 2012 Onlympics HereWatch London 2012 Onlympics HereWatch London 2012 Onlympics HereWatch London 2012 Onlympics H...
Practical HDR, Second Edition
By David NightingaleFocal Press (176 p) $24.95ISBN-10: 024082122XISBN-13: 978-0240821221The second edition of David Nightingale’s useful introductory volume provides an informative overview of the techniques and tools of High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography. HDR refers to pictures capturing a wider range of lights to darks than is typically possible with 8 bit camera-processed JPEGs. The book covers how a reader might 'tone map' raw files using post-processing techniques to achieve a look that often ranges from hyper-realistic (the human eye has a wider sensitivity to dynamic range than a digital sensor), to dreamlike. A wealth of software tools...
Just Posted: Nikon Coolpix P310 review
Just Posted: our review of the Nikon Coolpix P310 mid-level compact camera. The P310 builds on the groundwork done by its predecessor, the Coolpix P300 - offering the manual control of its more expensive enthusiast peers, such as Canon's S100 but using a smaller sensor to keep the cost down. The P310 features a 24-100mm equivalent, F1.8-4.9 lens in front of a 16MP back-lit CMOS sensor capable of 1080p30 video.Click here to read our Nikon Coolpix P310 rev...
Sony to invest $1bn in stacked-CMOS production for smartphones
- Increasing total production capacity for image sensors to approximately 60,000 wafers per month to supply image sensors mainly for smartphones -June 22, 2012, Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation ("Sony") today announced that it plans to invest in Sony Semiconductor Corporation's Nagasaki Technology Center ("Nagasaki TEC") from the first half of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 through the first half of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, to increase the production capacity for stacked CMOS image sensors.*1This investment is intended to provide for new wafer processing equipment for stacked CMOS image sensors, and to increase and transform...
One-shot gigapixel camera offers a future beyond flat sensors
A gigapixel camera developed for the US Department of Defense's research agency (DARPA) provides an insight into the challenges that will need to be overcome to offer super-high-resultion cameras. A team from Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, has described its 960 megapixel (0.96 gigapixel) 'AWARE-2' camera in a letter to scientific journal Nature. The team says small, efficient electronics are the key to being able to miniaturize the camera, which currently sits in a 0.75 x 0.75 x 0.5m frame.The team developing the AWARE-2 have considered scalability be one of the key considerations while designing it. Conventional camera designs will...
Wanted: Mobile photography fanatics with sharp writing skills
Dpreview.com is seeking keen writers immersed in the mobile technology and photography world.As an external contributor to the world's leading digital photography website, you'll produce top-quality, well-researched, and innovative articles about smart phones, tablets, photography apps and photo sharing communities.We can offer competitive rates, depending on experience and the type of content that you're interested in producing. If you're interested in contributing to dpreview.com, please send a résumé along with an introductory letter and examples of published work to mobile-contributors@dpreview.com. We look forward to hearing from y...
Roger Cicala looks at the Canon 40mm F2.8 STM pancake lens
Lensrentals' Roger Cicala has just tested Canon's EF 40mm F2.8 STM pancake prime lens, with interesting results. Cicala has tested eight copies of the $199 lens, to see what compromises have been made to offer a video-optimized lens in a small package for such a low price. His initial impressions are worth reading if you're one of the people considering this lens.Click here to see Roger Cicala's test results from the Canon EF 40mm F2.8 ...
Intel contest seeks photos, time-lapse and slow-mo clips for future adverts
Click here to read the full rules (which include granting Intel non-exclusive rights to use and modify all competition submission...
Nokia app increases pressure on camera makers to smarten up
Nokia has shown-off an app including photographic features unlike anything yet available in compact cameras - suggesting camera makers will need to consider apps if they're to remain competitive. The Camera Extras app includes a 'Smart Group Shot' mode that takes five images and chooses the 'best' faces for each of the subjects. It's also possible to manually select which face you want for each of your subject. It's a useful and consumer-friendly feature that helps to underline the challenge that compact camera makers face - competing not just with the convenience and connectivity of smartphones, but also their app-based approach that allows extra features to be offered, separately from the normal model development cycle.This flexibility, and the increased software development effort that...
DxO Optics Pro 7.5.1 adds four cameras, plus D800E support for Elite users
Special 30% discount through June 30, 2012June 20, 2012 - DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v7.5.1 for Mac and Windows, its image processing software of reference for all exacting photographers. This update means that DxO Optics Pro 7 now supports the latest cameras from Nikon, the D800E (Elite Edition only) and the D3200, Sony's SLT A35 and SLT A57 translucent-mirror SLRs, as well as Panasonic's hybrid micro 4/3 camera, the Lumix DMC GX1.Ever more DxO Optics ModulesDxO Optics Pro 7 now counts more than 7,000 lens-camera combinations in its Optics Module library.Since the last version, DxO Optics Pro v7.5.1 integrates...
ACD Systems launches ACDSee Pro 2 editing and workflow tool for Mac
Seattle, WA – June 19, 2012 – ACD Systems International Inc. today announced ACDSee Pro 2 (Mac), the only Mac-based photo editing and management software that reduces the time, cost and complexity of creating exceptional photography. ACDSee Pro 2 (Mac) is designed to meet the exacting needs of the professional, yet it is simple and affordable enough for the passionate amateur photographer. As with other ACD products, ACDSee Pro 2 (Mac) incorporates the company’s patented technology and user-focused design which have made ACD Systems photography editing and management products the solutions of choice for over 50 million users worldwide. “Our...
Canon issues EOS 5D Mark III firmware v1.1.3, adding 40mm F2.8 support
Technical details:Firmware Version 1.1.3 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:Supports the single focal length EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens that is to be released at the end of June, 2012.Fixes a phenomenon in which an image may become underexposed when using the Auto Lighting Optimizer for continuous Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) shooting.Fixes a phenomenon in which the backlight of the LCD monitor may not turn off depending on the camera settings and timing.Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera's power may not turn on when a super-telephoto lens *1 is mounted to the camera with an extender*2. *1) EF 300mm F2.8L IS II USM / EF 400mm...
Canon updates EOS 60D and EOS 60Da firmware to v1.1.1
Technical details:Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes:Fixes a phenomenon where the camera's serial number that is displayed in the shooting information of the image does not display the correct serial number.*1Corrects errors in the Greek, Italian, and Portuguese menu screens.*1) If the camera's serial number is 2147483648 or higher and the camera firmware is Version 1.1.0 or earlier, the images captured with the camera will be affected by the phenomenon listed in 1. above. This phenomenon only affects the EOS 60D, and does not affect the EOS 60Da. Both of these cameras are equipped with the same firmware. To obtain the serial...
User Review: Gura Gear Kiboko 30L Backpack
User Review: Gura Gear Kiboko 30L BackpackStreet price: $429 (US) / €459 (EU) Check Price / Buy Now (link goes to Amazon.com)www.guragear.comOutside of a camera and lens, I'd argue that few things can have as much impact on your photographic travels as your camera bag. And over the years, I've come up with a wish list for the perfect bag. For starters, it needs to be compact and light, yet able to hold a multitude of items in a way that makes each one accessible at a moment's notice. And because I'm often hiking to my destination, it should be comfortable to carry over long distances and be water-resistant.In my quest for the perfect bag, I've...
Digital Outback Photography publishes Lightroom 4 develop module e-book
Using the Develop Module for Color ImagesGet the optimal image quality out of Lightroom 4 Develop (color images)Learn the power of the new Process 2012 (e.g. Highlights and Shadows)Real world sample image workflowOptional original DNG image download of the sample images (extra fee)Learn about Gradient Filter and Adjustment BrushUse Sync, Snapshots and Virtual CopiesUtilize the Lightroom Presets90 Pages PDF (excellent also on iPads)More info can be found here (including the full table of content):http://www.outbackphoto.com/CONTENT_2007_01/section_news/DOP_Ebooks/dop2012_02/index.htmlPricing: $16.95 intro price (regular $19.95)Contact: Digital...
Technique: Digital Photo Collages
Sometimes even the widest angle lens isn't wide enough to capture the scene in front of you. Or even if it is, maybe the final exposure doesn't match your experience of scanning a wonderful view and focussing in on small details, as they make up the larger picture.That's where photo collages come in. A collage (sometimes also called a 'joiner') is a large photographic image made up of a number of separate exposures of the same scene, joined together. How you shoot these individual pictures, and how you join them defines the type of collage you're going to make. You can go naturalistic - where you'd aim to minimise or hide the joins between the...
Sigma launches 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM superzoom for DSLRs
New Thermally Stable Composite material offers wide range of photography in compact, stabilized, macro lensRonkonkoma, NY, June 15, 2012 - Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce the availability of its new Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM lens starting in July 2012. Pricing is still pending.The addition of the 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM speaks to Sigma's versatile product lineup with this multipurpose zoom lens that offers Optical Stabilization (OS)* and covers wide angle...
Schneider Kreuznach plans lens range for mirrorless and shows 14mm F2.0
With sales at prior-year levels, Schneider Kreuznach records increase in profit. Industrial business shows high potential. New product range for system cameras in pipeline. Positive outlook for current year.BAD KREUZNACH, June 14, 2012.Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH based in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, and its subsidiaries have recorded an increase in operating results by around 14 %. Total sales of 85.5 million euros in 2011 were roughly at prior-year level. Continual growth at the company's Bad Kreuznach headquarters contributed 51.7 million euros to Group sales, up 6 percent versus the prior-year period. "We have been making major investments...
Nikon announces AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR affordable full-frame lens
New Lenses for FX and DX-Format Photographers Include the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens, A High-Power Super Zoom Lens with Astounding 16.7X DX Zoom, and the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens, A Versatile Everyday Lens for FX ShootersMELVILLE, N.Y. (June 14, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the addition of two new lenses to the legendary NIKKOR lineup, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lenses. The new 18-300mm VR lens is a versatile and compact 16.7X all-in-one super zoom DX-format lens, while the new 24-85mm VR lens is an ideal standard zoom for any FX-format photographer....
Nikon launches AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR superzoom lens
New Lenses for FX and DX-Format Photographers Include the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens, A High-Power Super Zoom Lens with Astounding 16.7X DX Zoom, and the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens, A Versatile Everyday Lens for FX ShootersMELVILLE, N.Y. (June 14, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the addition of two new lenses to the legendary NIKKOR lineup, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lenses. The new 18-300mm VR lens is a versatile and compact 16.7X all-in-one super zoom DX-format lens, while the new 24-85mm VR lens is an ideal standard zoom for any FX-format photographer....
Troubled Fotki thanks subscribers for support and says photos are safe
Photo hosting site Fotki has said all its subscribers’ photos, galleries and comments are safe and that the site will continue, following cash concerns. Subscribers will also be able to download their full-size original images or have the option to pay ‘a small fee’ for continued storage or faster, FTP downloads. Founder and owner Dmitri Don also said the support of the Fotki community has ensured the site’s future.The company had previously asked subscribers for payment towards the hosting costs of the large original files, leading to accusations of holding images to ransom (though Don stresses the images presented on the site were never threatened)....
Finding macro wildlife
The arthropod world is virtually endless. With over a million recorded species - believed to be but a fraction of the actual total - you can shoot ten different species every single day of your life and never get close to documenting them all. Finding them in their native habitat exhibiting natural behavior, however, can be a challenge for those new to wildlife macro photography. In this article I'll walk you through the task of locating and handling macro subjects in the fie...
Olympus acknowledges E-M5 / 20mm banding and is working on fix
Olympus has acknowledged the banding that can appear in high ISO OM-D E-M5 images shot with the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 lens and says it is working on a fix. In the meantime, the only solution is to avoid high ISO settings when using that lens, for now. It says that it has tried 'every possible combination of body and lens,' and has not found the problem with other lenses.Olympus statement:'After checking every possible combination of a body and a lens, we found the phenomena only with this combination (OM-D, E-M5 coupled with the Panasonic 20mm pancake lens). We are continuing to study how we can eliminate this and we recommend for our customers...
Nikon D800 review updated with D800E side-by-side testing
Just Posted: We've just added in-depth analysis of the Nikon D800E to our D800 review. We've spent some time testing the D800E alongside the conventional D800, shooting real-world samples and high-precision studio test shots. We've added four extra pages of content and analysis to the D800/D800E review showing exactly what the differences are between the cameras, both for stills and video work. We've added a 32-image D800E sample gallery and subjected the D800E to our scoring process. We've also used the time with the two cameras to look at the benefits of shooting uncompressed HD video foota...
Samyang creates 8mm F2.8 fish-eye lens for Sony NEX and Samsung NX
Coming soon on sale!Krakow, June 11th 2012 - Samyang Optics proudly informs that by the end of June we will release the newest Samyang 8mm 1:2.8 UMC Fish-eye lens tailored for Sony NEX and Samsung NX cameras.Samyang 8mm 1:2.8 UMC Fish-eye is currently the smallest and the brightest Fish-eye lens compatible with compact cameras featuring APS-C sensor. It perfectly combines high optical value, impressive lens speed and exceptionally compact sizes. Its sophisticated optical construction relies on the system of 10 lenses arranged in 8 groups. They include, among others, one aspherical (AS) lens and two lenses made of extra low dispersion glass...
Apple releases Aperture v3.3 with iPhoto integration
Apple has announced Aperture v3.3, which features a series of updates including sharing its catalogue with the simpler iPhoto program that comes with iOS. Other improvements include support for AVCHD video, a revised Highlight & Shadows tool and more sophisticated white balance options. The software has also been designed to make use of the MacBook Pro's 'Retina' display. Aperture v3.3 is free to existing v3 users or can be bought for $79.99 from the Mac App Sto...
Apple launches MacBook Pro with 2880 x 1800 pixel 'Retina' display
Apple has updated its MacBook Pro with the addition of the highest-resolution screen currently used in a laptop. As rumored for some time, the latest Pro model features a 2880x1800 pixel 15.4" display panel. The screen, which equates to a resolution of 220 pixels per inch, is being branded as a 'Retina' display - Apple's name for a display with pixels too small to discern at a sensible working distance. The cheapest version, which features a 2.3GHz quad-core i7 processor and 8GB of RAM, will cost $2199. The MacBook Pro is likely to herald a wave of high-resolution screens on laptops and mobile devices, with companies such as Sharp developing...
Quick Guide to Video Lighting
How many DSLRs does it take to change a light bulb? None apparently, because the ability for these new cameras to capture HD video in low light is so amazing so you don’t need to light anything anymore. Right?No, No, No, No!I was talking to someone recently and telling them about the gain on one of our new digital video cameras and how high you could push it without too much grain and they said 'great, that will save having to light'. This got me thinking. Are we not in the business to make the best looking pictures we can that are artistically designed to best tell the 'story' whether that be fiction, documentary or corporate?Lighting in film...
Just Posted: Canon Rebel T4i / EOS 650D preview with real-world samples
Just Posted: We've been shooting with Canon's latest entry-level DSLR - the Rebel T4i (EOS 650D), and have prepared an hands-on preview. The T4i shares many of the headline specs (18MP CMOS sensor, 9-point AF system, 1.0M dot flip-out LCD) with its predecessor, the EOS 600D / Rebel T3i, but significant changes have been made to every one of those features. The result is the first touch-screen DSLR and the first EOS to offer continuous AF in movie shooting mode. Read our preview to find out more about the 650D's features and what its 'Hybrid AF' really offers. The preview includes real-world samples and low-light studio sho...
Canon announces EOS 650D / Rebel T4i 18MP touch-screen DSLR with Hybrid AF
London, UK, 8 June 2012 – Canon today launches the EOS 650D – a new, easy-to-use Digital SLR (DSLR) that offers high image quality and simple touch-screen operation, allowing anyone to capture beautiful images and Full HD movies. Ideal for photography beginners, the EOS 650D combines intelligent automatic shooting modes with a range of advanced features – making it easy-to-use today, with a full range of manual modes to explore tomorrow.The EOS 650D is the first-ever EOS to feature a dual AF system, which ensures exceptional detail in stills and continuous autofocus tracking when shooting movies. At the camera's heart is an 18 megapixel (MP)...
