If $180,000 seems a bit steep for the Canon 1200mm f/5.6L lens B&H is currently offering in its used department, then perhaps this $33,500 NASA 2540mm f/8 lens on eBay sounds a bit more reasonable. That's twice the focal length for a fifth of the price! Read more
April 28
American photographer John Moore has won the L'Iris d'Or Photographer of the Year prize in the World Photography Organization's annual competition. The Getty Images photographer submitted a dramatic and emotional series of pictures telling the story of the Ebola crisis in Liberia's capital Monrovia – a series that was credited with being the first to expose the scale of the problem that country faced and the severity of the epidemic. Read more
April 27
DxOMark has just released test results for Samsung's latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S6 Edge and, by extension, the Galaxy S6. Both phones share the same hardware and specifications, including a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, F1.9 lens and optical image stabilization. The S6 Edge's camera performance puts it at the top of DxOMark's mobile rankings - find out why. Read more
DxOMark has just released its test results for the Galaxy Note 4, putting it just behind Samsung's Galaxy S6 but above Apple's flagship iPhone 6 Plus. Our comprehensive review of the Note 4 and its 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, F2.2 lens and optical image stabilization has been updated with DxOMark's findings. See how it stacks up against the competition. Read more
How would you react if you were told that the aperture and shutter speed you choose make more difference to image noise than the ISO setting? You might be surprised to discover that a lot of the noise in your images doesn't come from your camera at all: it comes from the light you're capturing. Our own Richard Butler explains. Read more
April 26
There are more people taking pictures now than ever before, and as a consequence, some of the world's most beautiful views have been photographed to death. In this article, nature and landscape photographer Erez Marom explains the value of shooting 'changing' landscapes, which offer different perspectives every time you visit - or even from day to day, or minute to minute. Click through to read his article
April 25
Janne Voutilainen is a man of relatively few words. In that context, the minimalism of some of his photos makes perfect sense. He's based in Finland and finds himself drawn to landscape photography, as well as astrophotography, which is how we discovered his work. He offered a few insights into his images in our Q&A. His otherworldly images speak volumes too - take a look. See gallery
Sony has released a beta version of its Touchless Shutter app, immediately available for download through the PlayMemories app store. The app makes use of the eyepiece sensor as a shutter release mechanism and brings all the advantages of a traditional cable release without needing any extra camera gear. All that is needed is a hand wave near the eyepiece and the shutter will release. Read more
April 24
Panasonic's Lumix CM1 has the potential to break new ground in the territory between smartphones and cameras. It offers a 1-inch 20MP sensor, much larger than the typical smartphone camera chip. It also provides an F2.8 Leica-branded lens encircled by a control ring that can be used to adjust various exposure settings. We got out and about with it to see what its images look like. See gallery
Italian accessories brand Manfrotto has announced a new model in the 190 range of tripods that is lighter and more compact than others in the series. The Manfrotto 190Go! is designed for traveling photographers and those working on location who require an eye-height tripod that packs away to take up as little space as possible. Read more
April 23
Who doesn't love free stuff? Visual Supply Co has been churning out Photoshop and Lightroom-compatible film presets for some time now. To date, they've released seven different 'Film Packs' each containing presets that mimic both classic and contemporary film stocks. Now, they're offering one for free. Read more
China-based manufacturer Yongnuo has produced what looks like a near-clone of Canon's well-liked EF 35mm f/2, a lens that dates back to 1990. With a couple of minor exceptions (one of which being the brand name on the front of the lens) the Yongnuo lens looks very similar to Canon's 25-year-old prime, but at an attractive price of ~$115. Read more
DPReview attended the NAB 2015 show in Las Vegas recently, where we had an opportunity to sit down with Chuck Westfall, Technical Advisor for Canon U.S.A.'s Professional Engineering and Solutions Division. The main topic of conversation was Canon's new XC10 hybrid video/stills camera, which made its first public appearance at the show. Read more
Olympus and Pentax have introduced cameras with sensor-shift-driven resolution modes designed to maximize the amount of information collected by their sensors. Apple has also patented a similar system, using an optical image stabilization system to create and combine multiple exposures into a higher resolution image. Read more
As promised last November, Sony has announced two new full-frame A-mount lenses. Compared to their 2008-vintage predecessors the Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II feature improved image quality, less ghosting and flare, and a four-fold improvement in subject tracking speed, according to Sony. Another addition are seals that should make these lenses dust and water resistant. More details
April 22
The Pentax K-3 II is a modest update to its predecessor, but that doesn't mean that its new features are insignificant. While faster autofocus and more shake reduction is great, we're most excited about the Pixel Shift Resolution feature. While we can't share any samples photographs yet, we can give you an overview of what's new with the K-3 II. Read more
Ricoh has just launched the Pentax K-3 II semi-pro DSLR with an improved image stabilization system that drives a new Pixel Shift Resolution feature. Retaining its predecessor's 24MP sensor, 27-point AF system, and durable construction, the K-3 II now offers sensor-shift IS with a claimed 4.5 stops of shake reduction. Read more
Chinese lens adapter manufacturer Kipon has announced plans to introduce the first adapter that allows AF operation when a Canon EF or EF-S lens is attached to a Micro Four Thirds camera body. Previous adapters have either been entirely manual or, more lately, offered aperture control, but the Shanghai-based company has said that its next model will allow full frame and APS-C EOS system lenses to focus automatically too. Read more
Sigma has issued a service notice advising that some of its Canon mount interchangeable lenses cannot be used with Live Mode on the Canon EOS Rebel T6s (760D) and the Canon EOS Rebel T6i (750D). Lens owners will receive a free firmware update to fix the problem, though the company has not provided a timeframe for when the update is expected. Both current and discontinued lens models are affected by this issue. Read more
With the launch of Lightroom 6 and Lightroom CC, Adobe has released Camera Raw 9 with some of the some added features. Merge to HDR and Panorama are now available in ACR, using Raw image data to automatically assemble HDR and panoramic images, which are output as DNG files. This eliminates the need to edit files before merging them in Photoshop. Read more
Zeiss has revealed two new full-frame lenses for Sony's E-mount system, the Batis 2/25 and 1.8/85. They offer autofocus, and are the first Zeiss-produced FE-style lenses to do so. Each lens barrel contains an OLED displaying focus distance and depth of field. A linear motor AF drive keeps operation quiet, and both lenses are sealed against dust and moisture. Read more
The Sony SLT-A77 II uses that company's translucent mirror technology in combination with an AF system that Sony claims is dramatically improved over its predecessor. It boasts 12fps continuous shooting with AF, not to mention a 24MP sensor, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, 2.4M dot OLED viewfinder and a tiliting/swiveling LCD. We put its impressive AF claims to the test. Read review
April 21
Nikon has issued updated firmware for its D4s professional DSLR, altering the way numerous features operate on the camera. Changes include removing the limitation on the number of images that can be captured in a single continuous burst in the manual and shutter priority exposure modes. Firmware version 1.20 replaces versions 1.00 and 1.10, and appears to fix quite a range of glitches as well as adding functionality to the camera's operation. Read more
Adobe has announced standalone and Creative Cloud versions of its image management and Raw conversion software, Lightroom. Among other new features the latest versions gain simple HDR and Panorama merging tools that create 16-bit DNG files from the merged results. Read more
April 20
Photographers capturing the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and turmoil in Ferguson, Missouri. took home this year's Pulitzer prizes for Feature and Breaking News Photography. Daniel Berehulak, a freelancer shooting for the New York Times, was honored for his images from West Africa where he spent four months in the Ebola zone. The Saint Louis Post-Dispatch photography staff was recognized for its coverage of the protests that began there last August following the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown. Read more
Printer manufacturer Epson has announced it will introduce an A2 printer that uses its new extended-life UltraChrome ink-set and will accept roll-fed paper via an optional roll holder. The professional photo printer will be able to produce prints of up to 17in high in panoramic formats as long as 1.1m/43.3in, as well as printing on thick art paper via a front media loader. Read more
Western Digital's Wi-Fi enabled My Passport Wireless is a hard drive that features a built-in SD card reader. Alongside the drive, it offers a My Cloud app, allowing photo, video and audio files on the drive to be viewed wirelessly from a phone or tablet. With Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities it could be a very tempting device for roaming photographers who want photo backup without the burden of a laptop. Is it a travel photographer's new best friend? Read review
Renowned nature and landscape photographer Art Wolfe has been all over the world during his 40+ year career. In this article he describes his first visit to Antarctica in late 1992, where he went in search of emperor penguins. Braving freezing conditions and dangerous under-maintained airplanes, Art spent $25,000 to take the trip - as it turned out, the first of many. Click through for the full story
April 19
Photographer Joe Capra got started shooting landscapes but in recent years he's been making a name for himself with high-resolution timelapse videos, shot on dedicated stills cameras and painstakingly put together using specialist software. Click through to view some of his stunning imagery and to learn more about his process in our detailed Q&A
April 18
Regular DPR readers know that the comment section on a camera review can be, shall we say, a bit heated at times. Recently, something a bit different caught our attention in the Fujifilm X30 review's comments. Rodger Kingston, a happy X10 and X20 user demonstrated that the baby X-series offered everything he needed to finish a self-published book of photography. See gallery
A 20MP Four Thirds sensor, a high-speed APS-C sensor, and a Stacked CMOS design for enthusiast compacts are likely to be just three of the sensors we can expect to see in cameras over the coming months. Sony's semiconductor division has made these products public with the creation of a new website, which lists some of the chips it offers to potential buyers. Alongside many familiar-sounding sensors are examples we've yet to see in any cameras. Read more
April 17
Zhong Yi Optics has released information about an 85mm f/1.2 lens it intends to make available in May. The Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2, which the company is calling ‘The Dream’, is aimed at still photographers as well as videographers, and has a covering circle suitable for full frame sensors. Click through for more information
With over 100,000 attendees, the NAB Show (National Association of Broadcasters) can be a dizzying experience of cutting edge technology mixed with valuable information and practical tools. Though mainly focused on the broadcast and motion picture industries, the emergence of still cameras that shoot high quality video has driven the development of products and tools aimed specifically at DSLR/mirrorless filmmakers and video shooters, many of which were on display. Read more
One of the most talked about subjects for photographers using Macs to process and archive their photos is the loss of Apple Aperture and its replacement, simply known as Photos. This new software strongly resembles the iOS software of the same name and while it still offers some of the features from the enthusiast-grade Aperture, quite a few things are missing. Learn more about Photos - both what it offers and doesn't - in this opinion piece from senior writer Jeff Keller. Read more
April 16
Apple has reportedly acquired camera technology company LinX Computational Imaging Ltd., for approximately $20 million. LinX is a small company based in Israel and specializes in very small camera modules that are suitable for implementation in smartphone cameras. According to LinX, its multi-lens camera modules are capable of a range of special effects such as the ability to refocus an image after it has been captured, measurement of the true dimensions of objects, 3D object modeling and real time background replacement for video calls. Click through for more information
Nikon has announced a firmware update for its new AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR, to fix an issue where at certain shutter speeds on D800-series cameras, images can exhibit 'noticeable blur'. According to Nikon, the problem can occur at around 1/125sec with the lens's VR function enabled in either 'Normal' or 'Sport' modes. Users of affected units are encouraged to return their lenses to Nikon where the update will be applied free of charge. Click through for more details
Canon has announced it will introduce a new dye-sublimation thermal transfer printer to its Selphy range of compact photo printers this summer. The Selphy CP1000 will have features very similar to the current products, but will additionally offer the ability to print twin ID photos on the same sheet of paper using the new Dual ID mode. The new model features a USB socket for printing from USB Flash storage as well as from a computer. The printer will also have memory card slots that will accept CF and SD type memory cards, and mini/micro SD cards via adapters. Read more
Columbia University researchers have created a self-powered video camera featuring a sensor that both captures images and powers the device. Although it can only record low-resolution 30x40 pixel images at 1fps, the photodiodes on the camera's sensor can switch between being photoconductive, and photovoltaic. In the latter mode - given enough light - the photodiodes supply enough power to a built-in supercapacitor to keep the camera operating indefinitely. Click through for more information
Another lens from Fujifilm's roadmap is making its way to retailers, and that's the XF 16mm F1.4 R WR wide prime. This lens, equivalent to 24mm, has a nine-blade aperture, flare-reducing Nano-GI coating, and a minimum focusing distance of 15cm/6 in. It's also sealed against weather and dust and can function at temperatures as low as -10C/+14F. More details
April 15
Ricoh has released new firmware for three of its DSLR cameras in preparation for the arrival of new HD lenses to the K-series. The Pentax K-3, K-S2 and K-S1 will receive updates that allow them to get the most out of the forthcoming HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6ED DC AW and HD Pentax-D FA*70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW lenses, while the K-3 and K-S1 also gain compatibility with the HD Pentax-DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE standard zoom. Read more
An initiative from Ricoh to salvage, clean, scan and return photographic prints found in the areas devastated by the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami has reunited over 90,000 images with their rightful owners since shortly after the disaster struck. The Save The Memory Project has recovered over 400,000 prints from the rubble of affected areas, having cleaned, scanned and posted digitized versions to an online system for owners to claim. Learn more
Garmin has introduced two new action cameras, the VIRB X and the VIRB XE. Both cameras feature a new form factor that increases the number of mounting options available. Both feature a waterproof design, and the VIRB XE offers support for 1440/30p and 1080/60p video recording. In addition, the action cameras feature G-Metrix, which leverages integrated sensors and wireless tech to monitor 'action data' like speed, and display the information as animated data overlays. Read more
April 14
Tamron claims that its new SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD offers prime quality across its focal length range, paired with a fast maximum aperture and - uniquely in its class - optical vibration compensation. 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 Deputy / Technical Editor Rishi Sanyal as he uses the Tamron 15-30mm to shoot architecture, cityscapes and waterfalls. Watch the video
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
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
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
April 13
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
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
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
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
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