Articles from January 2015

The Slow Mo Guys do just what their name implies - record slow motion videos. In a new episode they use a Phantom Flex to capture the Canon 7D's mirror box and shutter mechanism being triggered at a variety of shutter speeds. The results are pretty darn cool. See video

VOTING ENDS MIDNIGHT JAN 31st (Pacific) 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. 

Athentech has released the latest version of its auto-enhancement photo editor Perfectly Clear App for Android, bringing it up to version 4. With the latest update users are given several new features for further improving their photographs, as well as new detection algorithms for the Next Generation Beautify feature specifically. Click through for more details

DxO OpticsPro 10.2 is now available, joined by DxO ViewPoint 2.5.2 and DxO FilmPack 5.1. With this trio of updates, photographers will find new support for four more camera models: the Lumix DMC-LX100, Pentax K-S1, Sony A7 II, and the Samsung Galaxy S5. Hundreds of new camera and lens combinations have been added, the user interfaces have been improved, and more. Read more

Canon has released firmware updates for its EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X DSLRs. Both updates claim to improve the user's ability to control autofocus in Live View mode when wide angle lenses are used. Firmware 2.0.7 for the 1D-X also fixes a couple of issues, including a problem with vertical lines appearing when long exposures are used. Read more

In 1984, photographer Jacobus Rentmeester photographed a then college-enrolled Michael Jordan for Time Magazine. The image was later licensed and ultimately reshot by Nike, who eventually used the reshot version as the basis for their Jordan 'Jumpman' logo. Rentmeester is now suing Nike for copyright infringement, but does he have a case? Continue reading

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? Read more

Moment, a Seattle-based company that is known for its high-quality smartphone accessory lenses has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its latest product idea, the Moment case. The Moment case is a case for the Apple iPhone 6 that offers a two-stage shutter button, allowing you to half-press to lock focus and exposure. The connection to the phone is electronic without any mechanical components. The grip links to the iPhone via a low-energy bluetooth connection. Read more at connect.dpreview.com

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

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.

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

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

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

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? Read our preview to find out.

Panasonic has taken the wraps off the Lumix DMC-GF7, a retro-styled 16MP mirrorless camera with a 180-degree upward-tilting screen ready for - you guessed it - selfies. Internally, it shares much of the GM1/GM5's components including built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and a sensor it also shares with the Lumix GX7 offering 1080/60p HD video. Read more

UPDATED: 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. See gallery

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

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

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

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'.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At its CES press conference in Las Vegas Asus has announced the ZenFone Zoom, a smartphone with 3x optical zoom lens that is only 12mm thin. The ZenFone Zoom runs Android 5.0 and features a 5.5-inch 1080p IPS screen and up to 128GB of built-in storage. Read more

Fujifilm has officially released its XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR lens, which the company teased on last year's lens roadmap. The 16-55mm is equivalent to 24-84mm when mounted on an X-series body and offers an internal focusing system and 'twin linear motor' which Fujifilm says will allow for fast and silent AF. The lens is sealed in fourteen places and has three aspherical and three ED elements and a Nano-GI coating to reduce flare. Read more

Nikon's D5500 is, on the face of it a pretty minor update to the D5300, but with the key addition of a touch-sensitive rear LCD screen and slightly altered ergonomics. In almost every other respect the D5500 is a compact, lightweight 24MP entry-level DSLR cut from almost exactly the same cloth as its predecessor. We're at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where we got our hands on a pre-production camera. Click through for some pictures

Nikon has announced the D5500, an upper-entry-level DSLR and successor to its D5300. It provides a 24.2MP DX-format sensor with no optical low pass filter. Improvements over the previous model include the addition of a touchscreen, which is a fully articulated 3.2-inch 1.37M-dot affair, as in the D5300. A flat picture profile is added as a video mode option, which offers 1080/60p recording like its predecessor. Meanwhile, the D5300's built-in GPS has been lost. Read more

Nikon has taken the wraps off of two new versions of existing lenses in its NIKKOR lineup. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II and AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR are introduced for CES 2015, underway tomorrow in Las Vegas. Read more

Introduced at Photokina 2014, the Panasonic Lumix CM1 Android smartphone boasts a 20MP 1-inch type sensor with an f/2.8 lens. Originally only available in France and Germany, it has been announced at CES 2015 that Panasonic's smartphone creation will be making it to American shores later this year. Read more

Panasonic also announced a trio of compact superzoom cameras, covering all price ranges. The base model is the Lumix DMC-SZ10, which has a 16MP CCD, 24-228 mm equiv. lens, and flip-up 2.7" LCD. Stepping up to the DMC-ZS45 (TZ57 outside of US) gives you a 16MP CMOS sensor, 24-480mm lens, 1080p video, Wi-Fi with NFC, and a larger/sharper LCD. The top model is the ZS50 (TZ70) that has a 12MP sensor, 24-720mm lens, 60p video, and a 1.2M dot EVF. More details

Panasonic has released a pair of rugged cameras that have very small changes compared to their predecessors. The top-end model is the Lumix DMC-TS6 (FT6 outside of the US), which offers minor cosmetic changes versus the TS5. The budget-friendly DMC-TS30 (FT30) can dive a meter deeper than the TS20 that came before it and also has more onboard memory. Dive in for more

Pentax owner Ricoh has released very limited details of a DSLR and a collection of three lenses that it says it will launch in the future. Reference images that accompany the announcement appear to show a mid-range APS-C DSLR that the company says will feature a CMOS sensor. This may arrive in stores in spring this year. The camera is shown with a new 18-50mm f/4-5.6 collapsible zoom lens attached - which will be available at about the same time. Read more

While it's been quietly shown behind glass on several occasions, Canon has made its Connect Station CS100 official. This compact box houses a 1TB hard drive which can store thousands of photos and videos. Photos can be transferred by tapping an NFC-equipped 2015 Canon camera to its top plate, or via USB or memory card. Users can then view their media on their HDTV using an included remote control. The CS100 can also share photos to social networking services via Canon's Image Gateway service. If you still have a spare HDMI port on your TV, you can pick up the CS100 in April for $299.

Canon has introduced five PowerShot models, ranging from budget to midrange. The SX610 HS has a 25-450mm equiv. lens, 20.2MP BSI-CMOS sensor, 3" LCD, Wi-Fi with NFC, 1080/30p video. Stepping up to the SX710 HS adds a 25-750mm lens, DIGIC 6 processor (the only model with this), and 60p video. The SX530 HS pairs a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor with a whopping 24-1200mm lens. On the budget end there's the ELPH 170 that has a 20MP CCD, 25-300mm lens, and 720p video. A cheaper ELPH 160 has a 28-224mm lens and no image stabilization. More details