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June 2015 news and reviews

June 30
DxOMark Mobile report: Sony Xperia Z3+

The Xperia Z3+ is the international version of the Japan-only Xperia Z4. On paper, it's only a minor upgrade over the predecessor Xperia Z3. The 1/2.3-inch 20.7MP Sony Exmor sensor and F2.0 25mm equiv. lens are shared with the previous model. Despite having the same specs, camera performance is improved and nabs the Z3+ DxOMark's third place ranking. Read more

Olympus brings its Air lens-style connected camera to US

Olympus is bringing its connected 'Air' camera to the US. Announced in Japan earlier this year and shown off previously in concept form, the Air consists of a 16MP Four Thirds sensor and Micro Four Thirds lens mount and uses your smartphone or tablet screen as its display. It's similar in spirit to the Sony Alpha QX1 but with a smaller body, Bluetooth connectivity and several unique shooting modes. Read more

Beyond the table top: 5 mini tripods reviewed

As capable cameras get smaller, photographers and camera bags have adapted to hold these systems. Camera supports have evolved as well - enter the mini tripod, a class of legs and head that can hold up tiny cameras and flashes, but is also strong enough to support full-sized gear. In this group test we look at five such tripods. Which one should you take on your next hike? Read more

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV added to studio test scene comparison

UPDATED: We've added low light results to our studio test for the RX100 IV. Sony's latest RX100, the Cyber-shot RX100 IV, brings the manufacturer's stacked CMOS sensor design to the 1"-type sensor size for the first time. The 20MP chip, also in the Cyber-shot RX10 II, pushes all the pixel circuitry onto a separate layer, creating room for high-speed processing within the chip. See how it performs in our studio test scene. Read more

June 29
Moon video recorded with 83x zoom Nikon Coolpix P900 shows Earth's rotation

With a 2000mm equivalent zoom range, the Nikon Coolpix P900 leads the current ultrazoom class in terms of reach. While there's no question that the camera has an impressive zoom range, a nature photographer based in Germany has made it ever-so-obvious just how powerful this little ultrazoom is. His YouTube video of the moon shows that at 83x optical zoom the magnification is so powerful, the rotation of the Earth is easily seen as the subject drifts through the frame. Read more

Meyer Optik to bring back soap-bubble-bokeh Trioplan lens via Kickstarter

Following a successful Kickstar campaign, German optical manufacturer Meyer Optik is set to reintroduce a lens from 1916 that was famous for its unique 'soap-bubble' bokeh. The company hoped to raise $50,000 to fund production of a new Trioplan 100mm F2.8 lens, but at the time of writing pledges have reached $124,000 with the best part of a month still to go. Read more

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV real-world sample gallery posted

Announced earlier this month, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV is the latest in that manufacturer's line of popular enthusiast compacts. It ushers into the lineup a new sensor design, offering a stacked 1" type 20MP CMOS sensor, and carries over from its predecessor a 24-70mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 lens. See what the camera's capable of in the real world. See gallery

Apple's dual-camera technology rumored to be nearing completion

According to a report from BusinessWeekly Taiwan, Apple's rumored dual camera technology for an upcoming iPhone is getting closer to becoming a reality. The article states that Apple has been working on the dual-lens technology for three years, but until recently has been hindered by a number of issues, including image blur and supplier inadequacies. Read more

Fujifilm X-T1 users to get significant boost in autofocus performance and function

UPDATE: Fujifilm's new firmware for the X-T1 is now available. It promises to overhaul autofocusing performance and 'introduces a new AF system' to this X-series flagship body. Firmware 4.00 aims to take significant steps towards solving issues with moving subjects and focusing in low contrast conditions. Read more

Otus Readings: the Zeiss 85 F1.4 Otus Comparison

When the Zeiss 85mm F1.4 Otus rolled into our office in both Canon and Nikon mounts, we knew what had to be done. We proudly present to you the 85mm F1.4 Otus, one of the nicest things we've ever held, mounted on the 5DS R and the Nikon D810 for your peeping pleasure. You can even see how it compares with an old Canon EF 85mm F1.8... Read on

June 28
Readers' Showcase: Raiatea Arcuri

Raiatea Arcuri is an avid landscape photographer who maintains a website, a blog of tutorials and gear reviews, and is constantly expanding his online portfolio. His work will soon be on display at a gallery on the Big Island of Hawaii, where he calls home. Did we mention he's only 17? Take a look at his work and read more about his journey into photography. See gallery

June 27
Vantage Point: The aviation photography of Jon Pece

'Some people use a tripod,' laughs Jon Pece, 'I used a KC-135 as a camera support.' The photographer has been afforded a unique perspective thanks to a long career as a military and commercial pilot. With his camera at his side and an eye for graphic elements and repeating patterns, Pece has produced a stunning portfolio of meticulous scenics. Read our Q&A and check out his work. See gallery

June 26
Polaroid Cube+ adds Wi-Fi and two bright new color options

Polaroid has added a new member to its Cube camera family: the Cube+. Introduced at CE Week 2015 in New York, the Cube+ includes Wi-Fi, which is not included in the original model. As with the first generation, the Cube+ can record 1080p video and uses a single-button design. Read more

Week in review: Lights in the sky

Mother Nature put on a show for us this week when the Northern Lights dipped down into our part of the country. But around here it's been fireworks for the past couple of weeks, with plenty of new product introductions and exciting review samples rolling in the door. Let's reflect, shall we? Read more

June 25
Tamron and Sigma offer firmware update service for Canon EOS 5DS/5DS R live view issues

Tamron and Sigma have both announced updates for their lenses to provide full compatibility with Canon's EOS 5DS and 5DS R models. Both firmware updates refer to behavior in live view shooting, something that has also caused problems in the Rebel T6s and T6i. This suggests that Canon's latest models feature a change in the way they drive lenses. Read more

Manfrotto launches XPRO Ball Head

*Updated with US availability and pricing* Manfrotto has launched the XPRO Ball Head in the UK, joining existing fluid and geared heads in the XPRO lineup. It is offered with Arca-Swiss compatible Top Lock and 200PL camera plates and features a spherical locking mechanism alongside a Triple Locking System, the latter of which stabilizes the camera's position and keeps it from drifting via a trio of wedges. Read more

Interview: Hasselblad to re-visit core values and aim for a wider market, says CEO Perry Oosting

At Photokina 2012, it felt as though Hasselblad was having a very public identity crisis. The company's foray into new product categories, via a relationship with Sony and an Italian design house, was not universally well received. We spoke with Hasselblad's new CEO, Perry Oosting, who assures us that the company will concentrate on re-connecting with the core values of the brand. Read more

Samsung NX500 firmware upgrade improves autofocus and enhances video features

Samsung has released a firmware update for its NX500 mirrorless camera. Among other things, the update enhances autofocus performance in several areas, increases the 4K video bit rate to 70Mbps, and reads out a larger areas of the sensor for improved 1080/60p video quality. More details

June 24
Adobe renews free trials of Creative Cloud 2015 to preview new features

Adobe recently updated its Creative Cloud suite of software, and to give users a chance to test the new features it has reset its product trials. This includes trial versions of Illustrator CC, InDesign CC, and Photoshop CC. Users, even those who have previously taken advantage of Adobe's 30-day free trial, can start a new trial by opening the software application and clicking 'Update'. Read more

A commerical photographer accuses Taylor Swift of being a hypocrite, Swift's management company responds

In case you missed it, Taylor Swift, one of the most successful commercial pop stars of all time, recently penned an angry Tumblr post aimed at the soon-to-be-launched streaming service Apple Music. She called for Apple to respect the rights of creatives. However, commercial photographer Jason Sheldon found this statement to be more than a little hypocritical. Read more

Instagram updates Explore page and search

Instagram has launched a major update to its mobile app that offers a redesigned Explore page and search function. The former will offer trending tags and places, the latter makes it easier to find people, places, and tags. Read more

Production Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R added to studio test scene

We've updated our Canon EOS 5DS/5DS R First Impressions to include studio test samples from final production versions of the cameras. The 5DS and 5DS R share a 50MP full-frame CMOS sensor and are identical in every way except for one: the 5DS contains an anti-aliasing filter, while the 5DS R has a self-canceling filter. While we've previously tested a beta version of the 5DS R, we've finally been able to put final production versions of the two cameras through our studio. Read more

June 23
Final firmware Canon EOS 5DSR real-world samples posted

Last night the Northern Lights tip-toed farther south than they usually do, and many regions of North America not accustomed to seeing them were treated to a light show. In hopes of catching it we hopped in the car with the Canon EOS 5DSR and headed away from the city lights. We've got a couple of aurora shots to share as well as a selection of others taken with a final 5DS R camera. See gallery

Venus Optics launches Laowa 15mm F4, the world's widest macro lens

Chinese lens manufacturer Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology Company Limited has introduced what it describes as the world's widest 1:1 macro lens. The Venus Optics Laowa 15mm F4 is designed for full frame sensor cameras and can focus down to just 12cm from the front element, and is equipped with a +/-6mm shift function for architectural work at normal focusing distances. Read more

Eye for an 'i': Canon EOS Rebel T6i review posted

The Canon EOS Rebel T6i (750D) bears a passing resemblance to its Rebel T6s (760D) sibling, but it's a different enough camera to warrant a separate review. Although it shares the same 24.2MP APS-C sensor and 19-point all cross-type AF module as its more expensive sibling, its Hybrid CMOS AF III implementation lacks continuous AF in live view. It also doesn't offer the higher-end controls of the T6s. Does the Rebel T6i hit all the right notes for a beginning photographer? Read more

Edelkrone launches collapsible PocketSkater 2 for DSLR videographers

Video accessories manufacturer Edelkrone has launched a new dolly for DSLRs that's designed to fold up and fit in your pocket. The PocketSkater 2 features three wheels and a tilting Flextilt head so photographers can shoot moving footage with the camera angled upwards or down. Read more

June 22
Cascable iOS app offers remote control of WiFi-enabled cameras

Cascable is a new iOS app that aims to create a better experience for photographers using Wi-Fi connected cameras. Currently supporting Canon EOS cameras, Cascable provides access to exposure settings and allows for shutter release control from the Apple Watch. Read more

Opinion: Did Sony just do the impossible?

The Sony a7R II is the company's newest addition to the popular full-frame mirrorless line, and caused quite a stir with its introduction earlier this month. In this opinion piece technical editor Rishi Sanyal explains exactly why he thinks this camera is potentially groundbreaking in many ways. Read more

Interview: Kimio Maki of Sony - 'the customer’s voice is the most important data for me'

Sony shook up the camera industry recently with the launch of three new cameras - the Alpha a7R II, Cyber-shot RX100 IV and RX10 II. At the launch event we sat down with Kimio Maki, Sr. General Manager of Sony's Digital Imaging Business Group to speak about the process of designing the a7R II, and what he has learned from customers invested in the a7-series. Click through to read our interview

June 21
Readers' Showcase: Oscar Cwajbaum

Oscar Cwajbaum and his wife have been attending comic conventions together for 18 years. When they were given a point-and-shoot as a wedding gift, Oscar was eager to capture the elaborately costumed convention attendees. Now he shoots portraits of cosplayers both at conventions and on location, capturing the attention to detail and playful spirit at the heart of cosplay. Take a look at his photos and read more about his technique in our Q&A. See gallery

June 20
Behind the Shot: Watery Grave
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In this article, nature and wildlife photographer Erez Marom shares the story of his shot 'Watery Grave', captured on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in western Iceland. As Erez admits, his original Raw capture left a lot to be desired, but post-processing yielded a result that he's proud of - quite rightfully, in our opinion. Take a look at his final image and find out how it was captured and processed. Learn more

UrtheCast releases first full-color HD videos of Earth recorded from ISS

UrtheCast has published the first full color HD videos recorded of Earth from space via a new camera system mounted on the International Space Station. The videos are short recordings of regions in Barcelona, Boston, and London, and show the cities at a one-meter resolution. Read more

June 19
Opinion: The future of DSLR or: how I learned to stop worrying and love the ILC

Despite some sales growth, mirrorless isn't taking over photography. Equally, DSLRs aren't flying off the shelves the way they used to. But if you've found yourself arguing about whether mirrorless is the future, you've probably been addressing the wrong question. DPReview's Richard Butler argues that convergence is coming and that it's not the mirrors that matter. Read more

Sigma announces 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art for full frame cameras

Sigma has announced the 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art, a constant wide-aperture, wide-angle zoom for full frame cameras. Part of the company's high-end 'Art' range, Sigma suggests the lens can play the same role as a 24, 28 and 35mm set of prime lenses. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 28cm, giving a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4. Click through for more details

June 18
Video Overview: Leica Q
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We had the chance recently to spend some time shooting with the Leica Q. The Q is a rangefinder-style camera that sports a 28mm F1.7 fixed lens and a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor. We were quite enamored with the Q, both in a practical sense, as well as aesthetically. As such, we decided to share some of our first impressions, while also taking a closer look at what makes the Q so appealing. See video

Are you in Seattle? Come and ask us questions this Saturday!

If you're in the Seattle area, don't miss an opportunity to sit down on Saturday with DPReview editors Barney and Rishi. We'll be participating in a panel discussion at Glazer's Camera in Seattle at 4pm (PT) entitled 'What Happens Next?' Hosted by photographer and tutor John Greengo, we'll be taking questions on video and stills convergence, and the decreasing performance gap between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Even if you can't make it in person, you can still submit questions. Click through for more information

Analysis: DxO ONE - the World's 'First Truly Connected Camera'

DxO's new camera, the ONE, offers an appealing combination of features and some highly impressive technology. Designed to be used in combination with Apple smartphones, the ONE is built around a capable 1"-type sensor and bright 32mm equivalent lens. DPReview's technical editor has been digging into the specifications, and talking to DxO's resident scientists to find out what makes the ONE tick. Click through for his analysis

#1 in France: Hands-on with DxO ONE

The DxO ONE is a 20MP camera with a 32mm equivalent F1.8 lens, which is designed to be used in combination with an Apple iPhone. As well as being DxO's first foray into photographic hardware, it's also - arguably - the first truly 'connected' camera, being designed to physically connect with a smartphone, rather than relying on a wireless connection. When we first heard about it, we almost fell into the apples. Click through for pictures, more information, and a smattering of poorly-researched French idioms.

Going solo: DxO introduces 20MP 'ONE' connected camera

DxO has unveiled its first image capture device, called simply DxO ONE. Designed to be used in tandem with an iPhone, the ONE features a 1"-type 20.2MP CMOS sensor, integrated lightning connector and 32mm equivalent F1.8 lens. It relies on a connected iPhone or iPad to provide a viewfinder and control interface by way of a free app. Read more

Canon PowerShot G3 X: What you need to know

The PowerShot G3 X sits above the G7 X in Canon's lineup of compact cameras, offering a much longer zoom range, tilting LCD screen and a hot shoe. We've been poring over the specification sheet for a while, and have prepared a quick run-down of its key features. Take a look and learn about the new camera. Read more

Canon PowerShot G3 X gets official introduction

We got a sneak peek at Canon's PowerShot G3 X at this year's CP+ tradeshow in Japan, and now that camera is making its official debut. As anticipated, it offers a 1"-type 20.2MP CMOS sensor and F2.8-5.6 24-600mm equivalent lens, giving it the most zoom power in the large-sensor superzoom class. Read more

June 17
Ricoh GR II: What's new and what does it mean?

The Ricoh GR II isn't the most dramatic update we've ever seen, but there have been a few changes. We've had a look through the revisions and pondered what they mean for the future of the series. So just what is Ricoh playing at? Read more

Ricoh GR II adds Wi-Fi and not much else to GR feature set

Ricoh has announced the GR II, an update to its APS-C enthusiast compact. It maintains essentially all of the original GR's specifications, including a 16MP sensor and 28mm F2.8 lens, but adds Wi-Fi to the feature set. Read more

Olympus preparing to bring updated OM-D-like Stylus 1s to UK market

Olympus has announced that the Stylus 1s compact superzoom will be coming to the UK in early summer, and will cost £429.99. The camera, an updated version of the original Stylus 1, has already been on sale in Japan since the end of 2014 and was launched in the USA in April this year. Read more

2015 Superzoom Camera Roundup

While the megapixel race has slowly come to a halt, there's a different kind of battle going on, and that's over zoom power. Ten years ago superzooms commonly had 10X and 12X lenses, and in 2015 the average is around 50X. We took a closer look at five current models to see which long zoom camera ranks supreme. Read more

Ricoh delays new Star series Pentax 70-200mm F2.8 for design change

Ricoh has announced it is to push back the availability date of its premium Pentax-D 70-200mm lens, as it needs more time to ensure it meets the standards required for a member of the Star-lens series. Initially due this Spring, the HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW is now set to arrive in Autumn. Read more

June 16
Sony adds XAVC S and high bitrate video to a6000

Sony continues to embrace the feature-adding firmware trend by adding high bitrate video recording to its a6000 mirrorless camera. Firmware v2.0 adds the ability to record in the XAVC S format to the 16-month-old camera, offering 50Mbps shooting at 24, 30, or 60p (and PAL equivalents). Aside from the updated firmware, a Class 10 SDXC card is the only other thing you'll need to get started. Read more

Facebook's Moments app allows for private sharing of images

Facebook has announced a new standalone app for iOS and Android called Moments. Moments allows you to share and sync images from events, such as trips, weddings, parties and the like, between a private group of users, in a very similar way to the Kolektio app that was launched only two weeks ago. Read more

Adobe Camera Raw 9.1 adds Dehaze feature and improves X-Trans support

Adobe has released the latest iterations of its Camera Raw plug-in and DNG converter software. In addition to adding support for more cameras and lenses, this update also adds Dehaze correction as well as local B&W adjustment sliders. Adobe has also reduced ‘color blur’ artifacts in Raw images from Fujifilm X-Trans cameras. More details

Think Tank Photo launches Trifecta 10 DSLR and Trifecta 8 Mirrorless backpacks

Think Tank Photo has launched two new bags, the Trifecta 10 DSLR Backpack and Trifecta 8 Mirrorless Backpack. Both backpacks are designed to hold a photographer's 'workhorse' lenses, including ultra-wide, mid-range, and telephoto zoom lenses. As the names indicate, the bags are designed to accommodate DSLR and mirrorless systems. Read more

DPReview is hiring for two Editorial Writers!

DPReview is hiring! We're looking for two editorial writers to join our growing editorial team based in Seattle, WA. Responsibilities will include testing and producing reviews of digital system cameras, compact cameras, smart phone cameras, lenses and other photographic equipment. Successful applicants will have have a store of solid practical knowledge about the theory and practice of photography, and a strong understanding of DPReview, our principles and our community. Click through for more details

Samsung Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge camera review

With a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, faster F1.9 lens and the addition of an optical image stabilization system the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge camera is, at least on paper, a clear improvement on the already very well performing module in the Galaxy S5. Our full review takes a look at the device from a photographer's perspective. Read review

Adobe Creative Cloud update introduces de-haze feature and speedier healing brush

Adobe has announced a number of updates to its Creative Cloud suite, including some feature enhancements and additions to Photoshop CC and Lightroom CC. A previously demonstrated de-haze tool has been added to CC versions of Photoshop and Lightroom, and the effects of Photoshop's popular healing brush will now be displayed in real time as the tool is used. Adobe has also launched 'Stock', a stock photo service that Creative Cloud users can post to directly from their CC accounts. Read more

June 15
Panasonic announces Lumix DMC-CM1 US pricing and availability

Earlier this year, Panasonic announced that its hybrid smartphone/compact would be coming to the US sometime this summer. That time is now - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-CM1 is currently on sale in the US to the tune of $1000 unlocked for GSM networks. Read more

Meta35 pulls metadata from film cameras

Promote Systems has introduced its new Meta35 dongle and software, which together allow certain compatible film cameras to be connected to a laptop for metadata transfer. Supported film cameras include the Canon EOS 1V, Nikon F5, F6, F100, N90 and N90s, and the Minolta Maxxum 7 and 9. Read more

Return of the Super Rebel: Canon EOS Rebel T6s (760D) in-depth review

Canon's EOS Rebel T6s (760D) is easily the most advanced model yet to enter the company's beginner-friendly DSLR lineup. It offers a new 24.2MP sensor and improved AF and metering systems compared to its predecessor. Its top plate LCD display, quick control dial and continuous AF in live view elevate it above its near-twin, the T6i, while Wi-Fi/NFC round out a solid set of features. We put its improvements to the test in our lab and in the real world. Read review

June 14
Readers' Showcase: Martin Kozak

Martin Kozak is a sports photographer based in Prague. His journey into photography began with a 1.3MP digital camera given to him as a birthday present more than 15 years ago. These days he's fond of the Canon EOS 1D-X when he's out shooting water sports, ski jumps, cycling and the occasional off-road rally. See his work and find out more about him in our Q&A. See gallery

June 13
Week in Review: Sony FTW
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What kind of week was it? Oh, just the kind when Leica announces a full-frame compact and that's not even the most exciting news of the week. Sony went public with three major product announcements Wednesday, refreshing its RX- product lines and blowing our tiny minds with a 42MP full-frame BSI sensor-toting a7R II. Relive the highlights of an extremely busy week with us. Read more

June 12
Triggertrap expands compatibility to Apple Watch and Pebble smartwatches

Triggertrap has updated its Triggertrap Mobile app to make it compatible with the new Apple Watch and Pebble range of smartwatches. The app now allows these smart watch devices to be used to trip a DSLR's shutter via the wireless connection between the watch and the iPhone or Android smartphone. Read more

Video Feature: Josh Trujillo and the Canon PowerShot G7 X in New Mexico

Josh Trujillo's 'day job' as a photojournalist for the Seattle PI involves him shooting across the Seattle area with a heavy DSLR outfit. For a trip back to his hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico, we equipped him with something significantly lighter: the Canon PowerShot G7 X. Santa Fe and its surrounding landscapes are incredibly photogenic; take a look as Josh explores his hometown with the G7 X. See video

Shutterfly's new TripPix app lets iPhone users order albums

Shutterfly has introduced TripPix, an app that turns photos snapped with an iPhone into physical albums. The app assembles 15 to 30 photos from a trip into a single album, which can be styled to reflect the kind of adventure they depict. Read more

Panasonic 4K Photo reaches to grab stills-from-video dream

Using a video feed to capture stills isn't a new idea - Nikon's first electronic camera, the QV-1000C, did it in the late 1980s - but the resolution of 4K makes it more useful. Panasonic has recognized this way of working and has introduced 4K Photo mode to its 4K cameras, to make things easier for the user. We took the feature for a test drive. Read more

June 11
200th birthday of Julia Margaret Cameron to be celebrated with major exhibition

London's Victoria and Albert museum is to hold a major exhibition of the work of Julia Margaret Cameron to mark the bicentenary of her birth. One of the most important female photographers in the form's history, Cameron would have been 200 years old this year, and the exhibition will be part of a series of exhibitions around the UK to celebrate her work. Read more

Canon GPS receiver GP-E2 firmware 2.0 adds T6i/T6s (760D/750D) and 5DS/5DS R support

Canon's external GPS receiver GP-E2 gets an update today to firmware 2.0, adding support for the Canon EOS Rebel T6s/T6i (760D/750D) and EOS 5DS/5DS R. The firmware update also fixes a couple of bugs related to the signal acquisition indicator light and the unit's built-in memory. Read more

Editorial: Why I want a Leica Q (in which I mostly don't talk about the Leica Q)

The Leica Q offers classic M-series styling in combination with a thoroughly modern feature set including a full-frame 24MP sensor and a 28mm F1.7 lens. After a bruising experience with previous digital Leicas, DPReview's Editor Barnaby Britton has been very impressed by the Q. Click through to read why

June 10
Fully stacked: Hands-on with Sony's RX100 IV and RX10 II

Sony has released updates to its popular RX-series compact cameras, leaving the externals pretty much unchanged, but with a major update to their sensors. Both the RX100 IV and RX10 II feature a newly-developed 1inch 20MP stacked CMOS sensor, which allows them to capture 4K video and a whole lot more besides. We've had our hands on pre-production samples and you can see (and read) more after the jump

Alpha dog: Hands-on with Sony a7R II

42 is a good number - as well as being the answer to life, the universe and everything, it's also the number of millions of photodiodes that Sony has packed onto the sensor of its new a7R II. And it's not just any old sensor too - the a7R II features the world's first full-frame backside illuminated CMOS, in a body which incorporates all of the major ergonomic changes made in the a7 II, released last year. Click through for a closer look at Sony's new flagship

Sony RX100 IV compact records 4K video, uses a stacked sensor

The Sony RX100 series of compacts has gained quite a positive reputation in the somewhat short time it's been around, for squeezing a relatively large sensor into a small compact. The RX100 IV continues that tradition and uses Sony’s next generation sensor, a stacked 20.1MP 1"-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor, coupled with an attached DRAM memory chip for speedy processing. Read more

Sony announces Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II with stacked 20MP sensor and 4K video

Sony has announced the Cyber-shot RX10 II, offering a 1" type stacked 20MP CMOS sensor, 4K video recording (up to 29 minutes) and improved readout speed thanks to a new DRAM chip. The body design and lens specs remain in line with the RX10, including a Zeiss-branded 24-200mm equivalent F2.8 lens. Read more

Sony a7R II has 42.4MP on 4K-capable full-frame BSI CMOS sensor

Sony has announced the a7R II, a 42.4MP mirrorless camera with an image stabilized full-frame BSI CMOS sensor. Unlike its predecessor, the camera includes on-sensor phase detection elements for faster autofocus, which continues to work with other brands' lenses. The camera also has a revised shutter mechanism, rated to 500,000 actuations but also promising less vibration than the one on its predecessor. Click through for full details

Wait for the Q: Leica Q First Impressions Review

Despite the naming similarity with Pentax's tiny mirrorless cameras, the Leica Q, with a 24MP full-frame sensor and fixed 28mm F1.7 lens is not quite like anything we've seen before. It has all the good looks of an M-series rangefinder, adding modern features like a 3" 1.04M dot touchscreen and Wi-Fi. Our first impressions review takes an in-depth look Leica's new enthusiast compact. Read more

Das ist Gut: Hands-on with the Leica Q

The Leica Q has everyone in the DPReview office drooling and anxiously checking our bank statements. Boasting a 24MP full-frame sensor, ultra high-resolution electronic viewfinder and pin-sharp 28mm F1.7 lens, the Q has some serious enthusiast credentials. Add full manual control and a well-implemented touchscreen into the mix and it is very attractive indeed. Take a tour of the Leica Q

Leica Q unveiled with 24MP full-frame sensor and fixed 28mm F1.7 lens

Leica has just introduced the Q (Typ 116), a full-frame compact camera with a fixed, stabilized 28mm F1.7 Summilux lens. It offers a 24MP CMOS sensor and a 3" 1.04M dot touch-sensitive LCD. A built-in LCoS EVF offers an equivalent resolution of 3.68MP, and the Q skips a built-in flash but provides a standard hot shoe. Video recording at 1080/60p and built-in Wi-Fi are also offered. Read more

Magnum offers signed square prints for $100 in limited edition sale

Photo agency Magnum is offering prints from 50 of its photographers in a limited edition sale with each print costing $100. In a similar event to the one it ran last year, the agency challenged a collection of its photographers to find 'an image that changes everything' from their archive. The images will be made into 6x6" prints, most of which will be signed by the photographer. Read more

June 9
NCTech announces single-shot 360 camera for Google Street View applications

UK imaging systems firm NCTech is to introduce a four-sensor, single-shot camera that it says can create a 360 degree image of a street scene or an interior in less than two minutes. The iris360 uses four lens units in front of four 10MP sensors arranged at 90 degree intervals, and images can be uploaded directly to Google Street View. The lenses are triggered simultaneously and the resultant images are stitched together automatically in-camera. Read more

Samsung launches rugged Galaxy S6 Active

Samsung has launched a rugged version of its flagship Galaxy S6, the S6 Active. The device is exclusively available from AT&T in the US and has a similar specification to the standard S6. In the camera department the S6 Active comes with the same 16MP resolution on the back and 5MP at the front as the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, but there is no talk of an optical image stabilization system. Read more

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 sample gallery updated

Our first foray out and about with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 took us to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We've followed up with an update to that gallery featuring some low light samples and stills from the camera's 4K Photo Mode. Take another look at the G7's capabilities. See gallery

Super Zoom? Tamron SP 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 Di VC USD Field Test

Tamron announced the SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD at the end of 2013, and as one of the cheapest ways to reach past a 400mm focal length, it quickly became popular with amateur wildlife and sports photographers. We've previously published a lab test for this lens, but in order to get the complete impression, we wanted to spend some time with it out in the field. Read more

June 8
Metabones introduces Speed Booster XL 0.64x for Panasonic GH4

Metabones has announced a new Speed Booster designed for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The Speed Booster XL 0.64x is designed to reduce the camera's 2x crop factor by 0.64x, meaning that in 4K video mode the GH4's 2.34x crop factor becomes 1.50x - Super 35 cine format. Read more

Tric is a wireless flash trigger for the iPhone

The LED flash units in smartphones are usually poor performers compared to the Xenon flashes in dedicated cameras or even external flashguns. If you feel your iPhone photography has been held back by your Apple device's underpowered LED light, Tric's new Kickstarter project might just be what you've been waiting for. The team behind Tric is looking to fund the final development and mass production of a wireless trigger unit for the iPhone. Read more

TTRobotix introduces TTR-SB Seawolf submarine for GoPro cameras

Swedish company TTRobotix has introduced the TTR-SB Seawolf, a remote controlled submarine that includes a forward-facing mount for the GoPro HERO3 and HERO4 cameras. Seawolf allows video footage and still images to be captured underwater in depths up to 8m/26ft while an operator remotely controls the vessel; live streaming is also available. Read more

Nikon 1 J5 and Samsung NX500 added to studio test scene

We've just added a pair of compact mirrorless cameras to our studio test scene - the Nikon 1 J5 and Samsung NX500. The J5 brings a 1"-type 20.8MP BSI-CMOS sensor to Nikon's entry-level mirrorless lineup. The NX500 is Samsung's scaled down version of its flagship NX1, using the same 28MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor. See how each camera performs in our studio scene. Read more

June 7
Readers' Showcase: Alexander Jikharev

DPReview regular Alexander Jikharev counts Henri Cartier-Bresson among his photography heroes. When asked why, he quotes his understanding of photography as 'recognition, in real life, of a rhythm of surfaces, lines, and values.' That rhythm is alive and well in Jikharev's photography. Take a look at a few of his images here and find out more about him in our Q&A. See gallery

June 6
Get your photos featured in an upcoming Readers' Showcase

We see the work of our talented readers every day when they post their images to our galleries, forums and challenges. Lately we've been showing off some of our favorite reader portfolios in a weekly showcase. If you'd like your photos to be considered for a future Readers' Showcase, just drop us a line. Read more

June 5
Photographer creates picture of 100-man orchestra… with the same person playing each instrument

An Oslo musician and photographer has created a photo stitched together using 400 images, showing an entire orchestra with every instrument played by the same person. Violinist Alexander Light created the 200MP picture by shooting percussionist Heming ValebjØrg in every seat on a stage while he played the appropriate instrument for that position. Read more

Marwell Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest now accepting entries

The sixth Marwell Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is now accepting entries. This is an annual contest open to wildlife photographers residing in the UK, with a top prize that includes an eight day photography trip in Estonia via Wildlife Worldwide (valued at £1,795/$2,740). Read more

Nikon D3200 firmware C 1.04 available

Nikon has released firmware 1.04 for the D3200. This update addresses an issue with the camera's memory card slot, causing the access lamp to light for too long or the camera to give an error while accessing the memory card. Read more

June 4
Miggo Agua IPX3 storm-proof camera bags launch on Kickstarter

Miggo, maker of non-traditional camera straps that convert into wraps, announced in April that it would launch its new 'storm-proof' camera bag Agua on Kickstarter in early June. That crowd-funding campaign is now live. The Miggo Agua bag has an IPX3-standard rating, which means it can protect gear from pouring rain and similar types of water exposure. Read more

Hasselblad returns to roots with new aerial camera series, this time with no moving parts

Hasselblad has announced a new aerial camera that it says provides the 'ultimate' in image quality for aerial photographers. The camera, the Hasselblad A5D, has no moving parts and as such avoids unintentional internal mechanical movements that aircraft vibrations can cause. Read more

Sony rides wave of US Mirrorless sales surge

Mirrorless sales in the USA are rising, with sales values up 16.5% over the past year, says market researcher NPD Group. Sony highlighted the figures while celebrating its own success: with the success of the a7 series helping it generate 66% more revenue from mirrorless sales over the last twelve months. Sony also points out that the Consumer Electronics Association has recently chosen 'Mirrorless' as its approved term for the class of cameras. Read more

June 3
SLR Magic unveils HyperPrime Cine 50mm T0.95 lens and Magic-Rangefinder Cine Adapter

SLR Magic has introduced its HyperPrime Cine 50mm T0.95 standard lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The HyperPrime Lens gives a 100mm equivalent focal length and offers a T0.95 maximum aperture, black anodized finish and weighs 620g/1.4lb. Also introduced is the SLR Magic-Rangefinder Cine Adapter with an integrated focus ring. Read more

Shortlisted images from Environmental Photographer of the Year 2015 to go on display

London's Royal Geographical Society is set to play host to an exhibition of the shortlisted entries of the 2015 Environmental Photographer of the Year competition. The exhibition, which opens for three weeks on June 22nd, will feature 111 of the best images as selected by the competition's five judges. The ultimate winners will be announced at a ceremony on 25th June. Read more

Enthusiast stalwart: Nikon D7200 in-depth review

Following up the success of Nikon's D7100 is no easy task, but the D7200 promises some notable feature upgrades. Its 24.2MP APS-C sensor is complemented by an updated 51-point AF system that claims sensitivity down to -3EV. Other enhancements include an increased buffer depth, 1080/60p video, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and improved battery life. We've put Nikon's claims to the test in our in-depth review. Read more

DPReview recommends: Best smartphone cameras [UPDATED]

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 PANASONIC CM1 Read more

June 2
World's highest resolution panoramic photo is stitched from 70,000 images

A team of five photographers has created what they describe as the world's highest resolution panoramic photograph by stitching 70,000 digital images together to create a 365 gigapixel photograph. Recorded using a Canon EOS 70D with the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens on a 2x converter, the picture took 35 hours of shooting over the course of 15 days just to capture. Read more

Opinion: Is the M Monochrom Typ 246 an anachronism or a modern marvel?

Before the popularization of color film, most cameras shot exclusively in black and white. Leica's M Monochrom (Typ 246) and its predecessor, the M Monochrom, are remarkable not only because they shoot in black and white, but because they offer no option for recording in color. Is the black-and-white-only digital camera a radical concept, or a costly novelty? We ponder its existence. Read more

Canon EF 50mm F1.8 STM real-world samples gallery

The EF 50mm F1.8 STM is Canon's newest iteration of its classic 'nifty fifty' lens. It's a fast, inexpensive normal lens on a full frame DSLR, but also functions as an 80mm equivalent lens on Canon's APS-C bodies. How does it perform in real-world use?  We've been using the lens for a few days and put together a gallery of samples. We took quite a few shots at wide apertures to see how the lens performed, but have also included photos taken at smaller apertures. See photos

Phase One XF medium format camera system offers new AF system and touchscreen interface

Phase One has announced its new modular medium format XF camera system. The body features a new 'Honeybee' autofocus platform (created 'in-house'), touchscreen interface, and your choice of optical viewfinders. It supports the company's IQ1 and new IQ3 digital backs, with the latter supporting resolutions of up to 80MP. Also announced today are a pair of Schneider lenses and an updated version of Capture One software. Read more

Lensbaby expands offerings to Fujifilm X mount

Lensbaby has announced availability of several of its most popular lenses for Fujifilm's X mount. The Composer Pro with Sweet 35 Optic, Composer Pro with Sweet 50 Optic, Circular Fisheye and Velvet 56 are all now available for Fujifilm's mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Read more

June 1
Kolektio helps capture and share moments among friends

Kolektio is a new app that aims to simplify the process of sharing images among frinds from an event, party or any other 'moment.' Users can create privately shared image albums, so-called moments, in the app and then invite others to either contribute to the album or view the images. Read more

GoPro unveils Hero+ LCD with touchscreen display

GoPro has introduced the Hero+ LCD camera, sharing many features with the entry-level Hero with the addition of a touchscreen. The Hero+ LCD is waterproof to depths up to 40m/131 ft, and adds both Bluetooth and integrated Wi-F with support for the Android and iOS GoPro App. Videos can be recorded at up to 1080p/60, and 8MP still image capture is offered. Read more

Mono a mono: Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) hands-on

Leica's new Monochrom M camera brings the black-and-white-only concept up to date with the technological advantages of the latest M (Typ 240) and M-P cameras. The main changes are a switch from CCD to CMOS sensors, and thus the introduction of live view and a jump to 24MP, along with a much better rear screen. We went hands-on with the new black-and-white beauty. Read more