Canon's Digital Photo Professional software, commonly referred to as DPP, has just received updates to versions 4.0.2 and 3.14.41. Both of these were joined by updates to a roster of the company's other photography-centric software, including the EOS Utility, EOS MOVIE Utility, and Picture Style Editor. Read more
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August 2014
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October 2014
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September 2014 news and reviews
September 30
DynaOptics has developed new zoom technology that is small enough to fit into even very thin smartphones.
It appears that Google's Chromebook laptops are finally getting Photoshop, at least in limited beta at first - starting with US-based Adobe education customers. According to a blogpost on the Google Chrome blog, Adobe Photoshop is now available in a limited beta release for Chromebook. U.S.-based Adobe education customers with a paid Creative Cloud account can apply for access to the program, which provides a streaming version of Photoshop to Chromebook users. Learn more
September 29
Ricoh Imaging has released new firmware for its Pentax 645Z medium format camera to make it compatible with the latest version of the company's IMAGE Transmitter software. Firmware version 1.10, which is available to download by users via the Ricoh website, allows Pentax’s second digital medium format camera to be controlled when tethered to a PC via USB cable, so images can be saved directly from the camera into a chosen folder as they are taken. Read more
Manual Cam is another new option for iPhone users who like to set camera parameters manually.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is the long-awaited replacement to the 7D, which was launched in 2009. It features a 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 6 image processors. It has a new 65-point, all cross-type autofocus system as well as an updated version of Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that provides continuous phase detect focusing during video recording. We've been using a pre-production camera for a couple of days - just long enough to prepare a quick sample gallery. Click through to take a look
GoPro has announced its new lineup of Hero cameras. The Hero4 Black is a new flagship model capable of 4K video at 30 fps, and will allow for extraction of 8.3MP still images from 4K footage. The Hero4 Silver offers a touch sensitive display and records 2.7K at 30 fps, 1080 at 60 fps and 720 at 120 fps. Both models will be available October 5. Learn more
September 28
The Boeing 747 'Jumbo Jet' changed the world, bringing air travel to the masses, and allowing non-stop flights between distant cities across the globe. The prototype 747 - registration RA001 - first flew in February 1969, and is currently undergoing restoration at Seattle's Boeing Field. DPReview editor Barnaby Britton has been documenting the process, inside and out. Click through for images
We've put the Amazon Fire Phone camera through its paces. Read our comprehensive review to see how it performed.
September 27
Christopher Nunn descirbes his photographic style as 'quiet and simple.' This rings true throughout his project, Falling into the Day, a look into the life of his friend David, an artist living with Alzheimer's. Nunn answered some questions for us about his work - see a sample of images from 'Falling into the Day' and learn more about the project. Read more
In a collaboration with fashion designer Stella McCartney, Canon UK is to offer a run of 1000 EOS 100D kits that come packaged in a tote bag created specifically for the white bodied version of the camera. Called Linda, after the designer's photographer mother Linda McCartney, the bag adheres to its namesake's vegetarian ethics by using 'cruelty-free' Eco Alter Nappa leather alternative material finished with a natural vegetable oil coating. Read more
September 26
This year's Photokina felt a little quiet, but it might have been the most significant in recent years. As well as major new DSLRs from Canon and Nikon, we also saw a slew of new large-sensor compact cameras and a smartphone - Panasonic's Lumix DMC-CM1. Meanwhile, RED's Epic Dragon pointed the way to the future with its 19MP Raw still images from 6K video footage. Click through for our take on the world's biggest photographic tradeshow
The Royal Observatory Greenwich has announced the winners of 2014's Astronomy Photographer of the Year award, after a record number of entries from around the globe. UK astronomer James Woodend won the Overall prize, as well as the Earth and Space category, with his image 'Aurora Over a Glacier Lagoon'. See gallery
September 25
Today Olympus announced the release of its Olympus Capture software, which is designed to bring tethering to owners of the OM-D E-M1. The software, along with the new E-M1 firmware 2.0, was announced last week at Photokina, but today photographers can finally take advantage of the new feature set. Read more
The Manual app puts manual camera control at the center of the user experience.
Epson has announced a pair of high-end flatbed scanners that are capable of digitizing film in sizes of up to 10x8in. Replacing the Epson Perfection V750 and V700, which were introduced in February 2006, the Epson Perfection V850 and V800 will feature the same specification as the previous models, but will benefit from faster start-up and lower power consumption. Read more
DPReview attended the Photokina trade show last week in Cologne Germany, and as well as stand reports and hands-on looks at the major new products we also sat down with executives from several of the major camera manufacturers. In this interview, we speak to Toshihisa Iida, Senior Manager of Sales & Marketing in Fujifilm's Optical Device & Electronic Imaging products division. Click through to read more
ACDSee has launched updated versions of its standard and Pro software. ACDSee Pro 8 and ACDSee 18 are now available with updated image editing and management features, available for purchase as standalone software or with cloud features for a yearly subscription fee. Read more
We were so busy playing with new Leica cameras and giant telephoto lenses at Photokina that we totally missed Sony's announcement of four upcoming full-frame E-mount lenses. Four FE lenses are coming in the first quarter of 2015, including three primes and one zoom. Sony didn't reveal too much, but you'll still get the idea by reading this
September 24
DxOMark has published findings of its tests of the iPhone 6 Plus.
DPReview attended the Photokina trade show last week in Cologne Germany. As well as getting our hands on this season's newest photo gear we also sat down with executives from several major camera manufacturers. One of them was Masaya Maeda of Canon. Our time with Mr Maeda was brief, but in our conversation he shared reactions to the 7D Mark II, and explained that Canon is very serious about mirrorless, and is also committed to making higher-resolution sensors. Click through to read more
At Photokina last week we sat down with Shigeki Ishizuka, the global head of Sony’s Imaging Business. As well as talking us through Sony's current Alpha strategy, Ishizuka-san also explained why the name 'NEX' was dropped and told us a little about how Sony's sensor business works. Click through for the full interview
We've just updated our Fujifilm X100T overview with a detailed analysis of the camera's controls and operation. With access to a beta X100T, we've taken it for a spin and assembled a real-world samples gallery. In the process we've got to know the camera a bit better and have addressed questions about the viewfinder, e-shutter and Auto ISO behavior. Read more
Adobe has announced new versions of its basic photo and video editing software, Photoshop Elements 13 and Premiere Elements 13. Photoshop Elements updates include a new Photomerge Compose tool for copying people or objects from one photo into another, and Premiere Elements gets an enhanced Shake Stabilizer mode designed to smooth out shaky video footage. Learn more
Nikon has opened the doors to entries for the company’s annual photo contest, and is offering a top prize of 1m Yen (approx. $9200/£5600/€7100) in equipment with 500,000 Yen cash for the overall top prize. Running since 1969 the competition this year will feature 7 categories including a new 'Home' theme and a 'Generation N' section for 10 entrants aged 19 and under. Learn more
September 23
Apple's brand new iPhone 6 takes the number one spot in DxO's smartphone camera ranking.
When we visited Photokina last week in Germany we made time to sit down with senior executives from several camera manufacturers. Among them was Toshiaki Akagi, Department Manager in Nikon's 1st Designing Department. In our conversation we spoke about reaction to the D750, the legacy of the D600 oil problem and the potential for a large-sensor mirrorless camera from Nikon in the future. Click through to read the full interview
September 22
Five years is a long time in the camera world, but that's how long Canon's EOS 7D was on the market - buoyed by a midlife firmware update that kept it impressively competitive against APS-C offerings from other manufacturers. Canon has not been idle in the past few years, it seems, and the new EOS 7D Mark II is a huge upgrade over the original 7D, offering improvements to every aspect of its feature set. We got hands-on with a pre-production sample recently. Click through to see more.
Fujifilm's new X100T is the latest evolution of its popular X-series of enthusiast compacts. Introduced with this model is an updated Hybrid Viewfinder that includes a new electronic rangefinder feature and automatic brightness controls. The X100T carries over the 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor seen in its predecessor as well as a fixed 23mm (35mm equiv) F2 lens. We've had access to a pre-production model for a few days - just time to prepare a small gallery of samples.
September 21
In DxOMark's image quality test the brand new Sony Xperia Z3 achieves the same score as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and its predecessor Xperia Z2.
Nature photographer Erez Marom shares the story of his image 'Spot the Shark', taken at Breiðamerkursandur - 'the ice beach' in Iceland. In this article he explains how he set up and took the picture, and the post-processing steps required to get to the final result. Click through for the full story.
September 20
When Panasonic came to see us recently in our Seattle offices we were expecting the much-rumored LX8. That didn't happen, but what we saw was quite a surprise. The LX100 is one of Panasonic's most ambitious cameras yet, marrying a Four Thirds sensor with a 24-75mm (equivalent) F1.7-2.8 lens, in a body not much bigger than that of the LX7. Full manual control, a built-in EVF and 4K video round-out the specification sheet nicely. Click through for a hands-on tour of the new camera.
One swallow does not a summer make, said Aristotle, suggesting the dangers of looking for trends based on single examples. Even with this in mind, I'm pleased to see two manufacturers introduce 70-200mm equivalent zooms for APS-C cameras at this year's Photokina. First Fujifilm introduced its 50-140mm F2.8 R, and then Samsung followed suit with its 50-150mm F2.8 S. I think these lenses make more sense than actual 70-200mms; let me explain why...
September 19
A look around the smaller booths at Photokina 2014.
One of the exciting new cameras here at Photokina is the Canon Powershot G7 X, a pocketable compact camera with a large 1"-type sensor. We caught up with Canon's Chuck Westfall who gave us an overview of the G7 X and let us know when it should be available. See video
With the introduction of the NX1 mirrorless camera, Samsung has put a stake in the ground of the photography market. We stop by the Samsung booth to learn more about the NX1, a new 50-150mm F2.8 image stabilized lens, and also get a peek at the company's "technology demonstration" 300mm F2.8 lens. See video
The death of the point-and-shoot compact has been disastrous for all the major camera manufacturers, but it's not all bad news. Manufacturers are clambering over themselves to offer the most attractive features to the last group of people willing to pay for a good camera, spurring the kind of innovation we've not seen in a long time. Find out why we think photographers are reaping the greatest benefits from the decline of the point-and-shoot. Read more
September 18
In our latest from-the-show-floor video, we visit the Fujifilm booth at Photokina 2014 to learn more about the Fujifilm X100T, the newest member of the company's ultra-premium compact camera family. See video
Accessory maker Joby has smartphone-compatible tripods and mounts on display.
Behind Nikon's Photokina 2014 stand is the Ricoh booth, the most colorful we've seen thus far. It's not the design of the booth that's colorful. Rather, it's the dozens of color combinations available for the company's DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The waterfall in front was pretty cool, too. Take the tour.
We caught up with Tamron at Photokina 2014 to get a peek at the new 15-30mm F2.8 ultra-wide angle zoom. It's designed to cover a full frame sensor and was shown to us in a late prototype form, though its official launch date is unconfirmed. We also got some hands-on time with the manufacturer's latest all-in-one zoom lenses as well as the always-impressively-huge 150-600mm F5-6.3. Read more
Sony and Samsung don't just show off their cameras at Photokina 2014 but also have a range of their smart devices on display.
The stars of Sigma's booth at this years Photokina were two new telezoom lenses - 'C' and 'S' versions of a 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM aimed at enthusiasts and sports / wildlife professionals, respectively. The company was also showing off its new 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM 'C' for APS-C DSLRs. We headed to the company's stand on our final day at the show, and got our hands on the new gear (except the stuff behind glass). Click through to see more.
Polaroid's Socialmatic camera is close to production. Working prototypes could be played with at Photokina,
Fujifilm announced two cameras on the runup to Photokina - the X100T and X30. But the company is also showing off mockups of several new lenses, slated for release next year. We sat down with senior executives from Fujifilm earlier today, and got our hands on the samples. Click through to take a look at what's in store.
The Olympus booth was relatively quiet compared to the madhouses at Nikon and Canons' stands, which made it easier to get up close and personal with the company's new lenses. We also took a look at some of their recent cameras, and have a few cutaways, as well. Read more.
In this video from Photokina, Panasonic's Matt Frazer walks us through the features of the new Lumix DMC-LX100 compact camera. Matt also explains Panasonic's use of a multi-aspect four thirds sensor, discusses lens design and manufacture, and explains the camera's 4K video capabilities. See video
We swung by Nikon's Photokina 2014 stand to see the new D750 in action and investigate what else the company has in store for show attendees. The booth itself is a bit less flashy than some of the competitions, and distinctly lacking in cars and ladies wearing sequins, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't make an impression. Click through to read more.
How does the idea of capturing 100 19MP Raw files per second sound? That's what RED's latest camera, the RED Dragon can do, courtesy of its 6K video capture mode. Fully modular, the RED Dragon can be adapted to accept a multitude of lens mounts, and although intended for professional movie shooting, its still image quality is seriously impressive too. We got a quick tour of RED's latest magic machines at the company's stand.
The Relonch camera combines an APS-C sensor and bright F2.0 lens with an extremely simple UI and attaches to your iPhone.
September 17
Canon has been busy - its latest high-end compact, the PowerShot G7 X slots in beneath the G1 X Mark II, and offers a 20MP 1'-type sensor, 24-100mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 zoom lens and a host of other enthusiast-friendly features. We spoke to Canon recently and got access to a pre-production G7 X. Click through for a hands-on tour of the new camera.
Join us for a video interview with Canon's Chuck Westfall, Technical Advisor at Canon U.S.A.'s Professional Engineering and Solutions Division, in which he talks us through some of the features of the new EOS 7D Mark II DSLR, introduced this week at Photokina.
The Relonch camera combines an APS-C sensor with an extremely simple UI and attaches to your iPhone, using your phone for display, image processing, storage, and sharing. A bright F2.0 lens ensures low-light performance. At an output resolution of only 1MP, it's a niche product, but the concept is exciting. Click through to learn more.
We got a chance to shoot with a pre-release beta of Canon's EOS 7D Mark II, so we grabbed it. We have prepared a 23 image gallery from a Canon event running at the Photokina show in Cologne. Although the image quality hasn't been entirely finalized, this should give some first impressions of what that camera can do. We've included a sequence of 10fps shooting. Click through for more details.
Samsung's hall is a far cry from the over-the-top extravaganza that is its CES booth. There are big tables for every camera it produces, usually paired with smartphones. In fact, it felt like their stand was as much about mobile devices as it was with cameras. The camera that everyone was playing with was the NX1, and we took a look at that as well as a 300mm telephoto prime concept. Click through to read more.
Creative Live is currently hosting Photo Week - six days of free photography classes. The event is ongoing through September 20th, and the interactive classes will be taught by professionals from various parts of the industry on a range of topics such as light painting, wedding and GoPro photography. Read more
Firmcam offers a range of stabilization solutions for cameras and smartphones.
Jobo shows a couple of new gymbals and other smartphone accessories at its booth at Photokina.
Toshiba's new 20MP image sensor allows for thin device designs.
Leica announced two new M-series rangefinders at this year's Photokina, in addition to the Digital M-P released last month. The German company also unveiled a new medium-format S, which as well as high-resolution stills can capture 4K video. Naturally, we headed over to the Leica booth to get our grubby hands all over the new cameras. Click through to see more.
It's the second day of the photography industry's biggest tradeshow and we paid a visit to the Sony booth. Hoping to catch a glimpse of the Alpha QX1 'lens-style camera' paired with a gigantic 70-200mm lens, Sony did not disappoint us. We also got our hands on a pair of new lenses. Take a look around Sony's Photokina 2014 stand with us. Read more
Leica released two new X-series cameras at Photokina this year - the X and X-E. The X-E is an update to the X-2, and the 'X' is the flagship model. The Leica X features a 35mm equivalent F1.7 lens - answering the long-standing request from X-1 and X-2 owners for a faster lens. Click through to see (and learn) more.
Panasonic announced some exciting products at Photokina, including the DMC-LX100 premium compact, tiny DMC-GM5 Micro Four Thirds ILC, and top secret CM1 smartphone/camera hybrid. Let's take a walk through the Panasonic booth. Click to read more.
Plenty of useful items for mobile photographers can be found on the XSories booth.
Fotopro's selfie stick comes with built-in Bluetooth controls and a sturdy phone mount.
Microphone maker Rode shows the i-XY microphone for iPhone/iPad and the RodeGrip+.
September 16
The D750 is Nikon's latest full-frame DSLR, and sits between the D610 and D810 in the company's FX format lineup. With specifications in common with both cameras, the D750 may be of interest to anyone considering stepping up to full-frame from one of Nikon's APS-C format models. As well as our detailed first impressions review we've prepared a quick 'cheat sheet', telling you everything you need to know about the new camera. Click through to read more.
If posts to our news articles and forums are any indication, one of the most exciting announcements from Photokina is the Canon G7 X, a genuinely pocketable camera with a large 1”-type sensor. In this video DPReview’s Richard Butler takes us through a preview of the G7 X and gives us an idea of what to expect from it.
Leica has announced a new X-series camera with an F1.7 lens. The Leica X (Typ 113) continues to use a 16MP APS-C sensor and offer a 35mm equivalent lens but now with a considerably faster aperture than the F2.8 of its forebear. The existing X2 model will essentially live on as the Leica X-E. The Typ 113 will cost around $2,295/£1,550.
Leica has announced the D-Lux (Typ 109), a compact camera with a 24-75mm equivalent, F1.7-2.8 zoom and a Four Thirds sensor. If those specifications sound familiar, it's probably because they're shared with the Panasonic LX100. The D-Lux will be available in November. A license for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is included.
It’s hard to believe, but Leica’s line of M rangefinders, which started with the M3 in 1954, has been around for 60 years. In celebration, Leica has announced the commemorative Leica M Edition 60 and matching Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens. Unlike other M digital models, the M Edition 60 lacks one significant feature: an LCD screen.
Leica has announced a complete replacement of its Summarit-M range with a family of F2.4 lenses. As before the Summarit-M range will comprise 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm focal lengths. The 35mm will be the first Summarit to include an aspheric lens element. The 75mm and 90mm will be available this month, with the other two following in October. All four lenses will be available in a choice of black or anodized silver finish.
Accessory maker Hama shows card readers for mobile devices and a selfie-stick at Photokina.
Zeiss has announced its a Distagon T* 35mm F1.4 ZM lens for Leica M-mount bodies. The company describes the lens as being for professional reportage photography and points out that the wide maximum aperture 'ensures the photographer is independent from the ISO limitations of his camera.' The 35mm F1.4 ZM will be available in black or silver for a recommended price of €1679.84 or $2290 exc taxes.
Olympus shows a protoype of a smart camera module at its Photokina booth.
Canon's Photokina stand is popular as always. The company is eager to show off its EOS 7D Mark II to Photokina attendees, and the public in turn turned out to give the camera a try judging by the crowds at the booth. We took our turn handling the 7D II and checked out the booth. Click through to see more.
Fujifilm's giant green stand in Hall 4 at Koelnmesse is a place to get your hands on cameras, look at printer and film output and, of course, take pictures of models standing in front of expensive cars. Our stand report has a look at what's new with Fujifilm and has some fun photos, as well. Click through to read more.
We're here at Photokina in Germany, and one camera many people were eager to get their hands on was the the new Fujifilm X100T. As part of our tour of the company's stand (more like a ballroom), we got our mitts on Fujifilm's latest ultra-premium compact. Click through to see more.
Phase One has announced the release of Capture One Pro 8, the latest version of its Raw conversion and photo editing software. Capture One Pro 8 highlights include new adjustment tools such as local white balance, clone and heal repair layers to remove unwanted objects, and a film grain tool to mimic film stocks and add realistic grain to images.
The DPReview team (well, some of it) is in Cologne Germany for this year's Photokina trade show. Photokina is the biggest show in our industry, and happens every two years. This year we've seen a number of major products released from all of the biggest names including Canon, Nikon and Sony. The show opens in a few minutes, and we'll be here, reporting from the show floor and getting our hands on the new gear. Click through for a link to our full show coverage.
September 15
The Panasonic Lumix DMC CM1's 1-inch sensor is the largest in any smartphone camera.
Sony has announced the Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS for its E-mount interchangeable lens cameras, as well as the HVL-F32M flash and XLR-K2M XLR audio adaptor kit. The 16-35mm is the fifth full-frame zoom for Sony's Alpha 7 series. Read more
Enthusiast photographers have been waiting in agony for a replacement to the Canon EOS 7D for five years. Their wishes have finally been granted - and in a big way - with the arrival of the EOS 7D Mark II. With a new sensor, improved AF system, faster image processor, and Full HD video, we think that it was worth the wait. For a lot more on the 7D II, read our detailed First Impressions Review.
Panasonic's LX-series of compact cameras have been favorites of both customers and reviewers alike for many years. Photographers who have been waiting for a more enthusiast-slanted LX can finally get out their wallets, because the Lumix DMC-LX100 is here. Find out what we thought about what sounds like the ultimate enthusiast compact camera in our First Impressions Review. Read on.
For the last two years, the only enthusiast compact with a large sensor you could buy says 'Sony' on the front. Finally, at Photokina 2014, we get some competition from Canon. The PowerShot G7 X uses what is likely the same 20MP sensor as the Sony RX100 III but offers a longer lens, flip-up touchscreen LCD, and arguably better controls. For all the details on this exciting new camera, head on over to our First Impressions Review.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 borrows the styling of the fashion conscious GM1, but adds enough additional control to give it broader appeal. So while it's still a smart, diminutive thing, Panasonic has found room for a viewfinder, control dial and hotshoe. We look at the two cameras side by side and examine the changes that've been made at the petite end of the Micro Four Thirds range.
Canon has made the EOS 7D Mark II official, headlining its Photokina announcements. The 7D II features a 20.2MP APS-C sensor, increased from the 7D's 18MP. It also presents an upgrade over its predecessor in autofocus specification with next-generation Dual Pixel AF, 65 all cross-type points, as well as a faster 10 fps burst shooting rate. Read more
Canon has announced the PowerShot G7 X, the company's first compact to feature a 1"-type sensor. It boasts a seemingly familiar 20.2MP BSI CMOS chip, coupled with a DIGIC 6 processor and a 24-100mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 lens. The G7 X is also equipped with a touchscreen, a 31-point AF system, 6.5 fps continuous shooting, and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC. Read more
Panasonic has announced the latest member of its enthusiast compact LX-series, the Lumix DMC-LX100. Where its LX7 predecessor used a 1/1.7" sensor, the LX100 leapfrogs into the Four Thirds sensor class, with 16MP chip and a 24-75mm equiv. F1.7-2.8 lens. It supports 4K video recording at 30p, and also provides Wi-Fi with NFC for faster pairing with a mobile device. Read more
Panasonic introduces the second member of its diminutive GM-series: the Lumix DMC-GM5. The GM5 offers a 16MP Four Thirds sensor in a point-and-shoot sized camera body equipped with a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Following on the consumer-focused Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1, the GM5 provides some enthusiast touches like a built-in 1.2m dot equivalent EVF and hot shoe. Read more
In addition to its compact camera and EOS 7D Mark II launch at Photokina, Canon unveils three new lenses. The EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM, EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM announced today target different types of photographers.
Topping off its Photokina 2014 announcements, Panasonic announces two lenses designed to fit the dimensions and style of its GM-series cameras. The Lumix G Vario 35-100mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega O.I.S. is a truly compact telephoto zoom covering a range equivalent to 70-200mm. Also announced is the 14mm F2.5 II ASPH, a version of an existing lens but with revised graphics (equivalent to 28mm). Read more
Panasonic has announced a firmware update for the Lumix DMC-GH4, adding tethered shooting and modes to make it easier to take still images from 4K video. The update introduces 4K Photo Mode, which automatically sets shooting parameters optimized for stills. Read more
Canon has announced the 65x superzoom PowerShot SX60 HS, offering a 16.1MP CMOS sensor and a lens covering a 21-1365mm equivalent range. It's equipped with Wi-Fi and NFC, 1080/60p HD video and an articulated 3" LCD with 922k-dot resolution. Read more
Canon has introduced the latest in its uniquely-shaped series of socially inclined PowerShots. The square-shaped PowerShot N2 is equipped with a 16.1MP CMOS sensor, 28-224mm equiv lens, and Wi-Fi with NFC, and wireless sharing is facilitated by Mobile Device Connect button. Read more
Panasonic has announced a firmware update for the Lumix DMC-FZ1000. Like its big sibling the Lumix GH4, the FZ1000 will gain a 4K Photo Mode, which automatically sets shooting parameters optimized for stills and allows 4K capture in a variety of aspect ratios. Read more
Panasonic has announced it is developing a 30mm f/2.8 Macro lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. The lens will be compatible with the latest generation 240 frame-per-second autofocus and will include image stabilization. No further details of specification, price or time-scale have yet been provided.
Samsung is no stranger to trying something new, and it's really swung for the fences with the NX1 enthusiast mirrorless camera. With a DSLR-style body, a revolutionary sensor, exciting AF system, and more bells and whistles than one could ever need, the NX1 looks like a serious contender. We spent some time with the NX1 and have some first impressions to share. Read'em.
Samsung has introduced the pro-oriented NX1 mirrorless camera for Photokina 2014, boasting the first-ever APS-C sized BSI-CMOS sensor. The weather-sealed 28.2MP NX1 also offers a sophisticated hybrid autofocus system with 205 phase-detect points covering 90% of the frame. Other high-end features include 15 fps burst shooting, built-in Wi-Fi, and a 2.36M dot OLED EVF. Read more
Samsung adds another 'S' series lens to its premium lineup, the NX 50-150mm F2.8 OIS. It's weather-sealed to resist dust and splashes, and covers a range equivalent to 77-231mm on Samsung's APS-C NX cameras. With 20 elements in 13 groups, it offers built-in stabilization and an i-Function button as part of Samsung's user interface. Read more
Olympus has announced the M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm F2.8 Pro lens. Built to withstand the elements, this dust, splash and freezeproof telephoto zoom covers a range equivalent to 80-300mm. Also announced is a 1.4x teleconverter, which when used with the 40-150mm boosts the equivalent telephoto reach to 420mm. Read more
Olympus celebrates the start of Photokina with the announcement of a major firmware update for the OM-D E-M1 that enables tethered shooting, in-camera 'digital shift' keystone composition, and the E-M10's Live Composite mode. Also announced is the availability of a silver version of the previously only-available-in-black E-M1. Read more
September 13
Optical manufacturer Sigma has expanded its portfolio of lens filters with the introduction of four new models, three of which feature water and oil repellent coatings. The new coatings have been applied to the company's ultra violet and circular polariser filters, as well as a new clear-glass protector. Read more
Blackmagic Design has announced the addition of two new PL mount options to its line of professional motion picture cameras. The Production Camera 4K and Cinema Camera are now available with a PL mount, complementing existing EF and passive Micro Four Thirds models. Read more
September 12
Sigma has announced that the dp1 Quattro, a large-sensor compact that will be available from mid-October. The dp1 Quattro marries a 28mm equivalent F2.8 lens to the latest generation of Sigma's Foveon technology. The dp1 Quattro joins the 40mm equivalent dp2 Quattro in the company's lineup, with the promise of a 75mm equivalent dp3 Quattro to follow. Read more
Sony has unveiled another full-frame compatible lens for its E-mount, the FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS. With an emphasis on its capabilities in video production, it offers three separate control rings for zoom, focus and aperture. The lens is dust and moisture-resistant and uses a Super Sonic Wave Motor for fast and quiet autofocus and iris control. Read more
Tamron has announced the development of its new SP 15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD ultra-wide zoom lens. This full-frame lens is the first in its class to offer image stabilization according to Tamron. The lens has an ultrasonic focusing motor, 'eBAND' and fluorine coatings, and a 9-blade diaphragm. The lens will be available for Canon, Nikon, and Sony mounts and will be displayed at Photokina next week.
Sigma has announced a new superzoom lens for APS-C format DSLRs. The 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM takes its place in the company's 'Contemporary' linep, offering a focal range equivalent to 27-450mm. The new lens will be available next month for $579 in Sigma, Nikon, Canon Pentax and Sony mounts - the latter two will not feature OS optical image stabilization. Read more
Sigma has announced a pair of new telezoom lenses. Both described as the '150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM' one carries Sigma's 'Contemporary' branding and one is positioned in its 'Sport' lineup. The sports version is dust and splash-proof, while both lenses boast new versions of Sigma's optical image stabilization system. Under the hood though, their construction is significantly different. Read more
The D750 is Nikon's latest FX format camera, which borrows features from the D810 and marries them with a 24MP sensor, offering a faster frame-rate than any non-professional full-frame Nikon DSLR. Aimed squarely at enthusiasts and full-frame upgraders the D750 boasts a comprehensive video and still photography specification which includes a tilting rear LCD screen and (on paper) an improved version of the 51-point AF system found in the D810. We've been using a pre-production camera for a few days - click through for our first impressions.
Nikon has released the enthusiast-focused D750, a 24MP full-frame DSLR which sits between the D610 and D810 in the company's lineup. The D750 offers an improved version of the 51-point AF system from the D810, a 6.5fps maximum frame-rate, plus built-in Wi-Fi and a vari-angle LCD. Video features are lifted directly from the D810 and include 1080/60p recording and full manual exposure control. Read more
Nikon has launched the AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED for FX and DX format Nikon cameras. It updates the existing AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8, which lacked an internal focus motor for use with entry-level Nikon DSLRs. Using 13 elements in 11 groups, it features a Nano Crystal Coat and offers a minimum focus distance of 0.2m. The AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED will be available in September for $799.95. Read more
Nikon rounds out its Photokina announcements with the SB-500 Speedlight, a compact flash with a built-in LED for use while recording video. With coverage for a 24mm lens on an FX camera or a 16mm lens on DX, the SB-500 has a guide number of 24m at ISO 100. Read more
September 11
SanDisk has announced the latest addition to its Extreme Pro class of memory cards. The 512GB Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I is introduced as the world's highest capacity SD card, supporting 4K video with write speeds up to 90 MB/s and UHS Speed Class 3 recording. Read more
September 10
Ricoh is entering the choppy waters of the action camera market, which is currently dominated by GoPro. The company isn't truly a newcomer into the rugged market, as it has been making rugged cameras for many years. The WG-M1 is a 14MP camera that can dive up to 10m underwater, be dropped from 2m, and function at temperatures as low as -10C - all without a housing. The WG-M1 sports a 14MP CMOS sensor, super-wide lens with a 160° field-of-view, 1.5" LCD, 1080/30p video, and Wi-Fi. Naturally, mounts for nearly every purpose will be available.
If there's one thing you can say about Fujifilm, it's that the company has shown a desire to continuously improve its cameras. In the case of the X100T, Fujifilm has taken the already refined X100S and redesigned the viewfinder, added more exposure controls, and included an electronic shutter. We've spent some time with an early production X100T and have put together an overview that covers the key points. Have a read
In time for Photokina, Fujifilm has announced a new version of its weather-resistant X-T1 camera. The Graphite Silver edition' X-T1 gets a multi-layer coating of ultra-fine paint particles for a 'smooth and luxurious' finish. Simultaneously announced is a notable firmware update for both black and silver versions of the camera, offering some nice operation and UI tweaks. Also introduced is an X-T1 and XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR kit for the black edition of the camera. Read more
Fujifilm has announced the X100T, the latest evolution of its popular X-series of enthusiast compacts. Introduced with this model is an updated Hybrid Viewfinder that includes a new electronic rangefinder feature and automatic brightness controls. The X100T carries over the 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor seen in its predecessor as well as a fixed 23mm (35mm equiv) F2 lens. Read more
Fujifilm has announced its second weather-resistant X-series zoom lens, the Fujinon XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR. Designed to accompany the water- and dust-resistant Fujifilm X-T1, the lens offers an equivalent 76-213mm range on Fuji's X-series interchangeable lens cameras - essentially equivalent to a popular 70-200mm telephoto zoom on full frame. Read more
Gearing up for Photokina, Fujifilm has announced the XF 56mm F1.2 R APD - APD standing for apodization. The lens is a variant of the existing XF56mm F1.2 R, utilizing the same underlying design of 11 elements in 8 groups but it adds an apodization filter. Essentially a radial gradient filter, it aims to produce better-looking highlights and more pleasant bokeh. Read more
September 9
Apple's new iPhone 6 models stick with the predecessor's 8MP camera resolution but the Plus model adds optical image stabilization.
We spent last week at the IFA trade show in Berlin. Here are our highlights.
Zeiss has announced a new fast mid-telephoto prime to join last year's widely acclaimed 1.4/55 lens in the Otus range. Due out in the middle of this month in Canon EF (ZE) and Nikon F (ZF.2) mounts, the new Zeiss Otus 1.4/85 is a manual focus lens claimed to offer exceptional performance even when used wide open on full frame cameras. Read more
September 8
High-key lighting is a classic look for portraits or product photography that minimizes shadows and produces a bright, vibrant look. Although typically shot in the studio with lots of high-powered lights, it's possible to produce a similar look at home using some fairly basic kit. In this article we'll talk you through a simple backyard setup and some easy post-processing that will serve as a great introduction to high-key portraiture. Learn more
September 7
Daylight hours may be getting shorter as we enter September but the days are just packed. Photokina is a little over a week away and as expected, the announcements are beginning to ramp up. Last week, Sony's new QX cameras drummed up a lot of attention, IFA in Berlin produced a number of promising smartphone announcements, Canon's lenses got cheaper (sort of) and the bird was the word when the 2014 British Wildlife Photography Awards were announced. See what you may have missed in our look back at the last seven days
Ten years after the end of WWII, Germany was rebuilding. Cities like Berlin, which had been severely damaged during the war were emerging from the rubble as the 'Wirtschaftswunder' or 'economic miracle' transformed West Germany. In the immediate post-war period hundreds of thousands of allied troops were stationed in the divided country, many of them with cameras. Found recently at a flea market, the images in this article date from 1956-7 and were taken by a US Serviceman in Berlin. Click through to take a look at part 2.
September 6
Western Digital has launched a new wireless-enabled hard drive that uniquely features a built-in SD card reader. The My Passport Wireless might be coming to the market after other wireless options like the LaCie Fuel drive, but it’s the inclusion of the SD card reader that makes this product of particular interest to photographers. Read more
Epson has announced a new A3+ desktop inkjet printer aimed at the professional and semi-professional photographer that it claims is capable of producing a maximum black density of 2.8. According to Epson this beats all competitors’ A3+ machines that use 6 or more inks. The SureColor SC-P600 is part of Epson’s plan to introduce ten new professional printers to the market under the ‘Sure’ brand by 2016, and is the first SureColor model to be aimed at the photo market. Click through to read more.
September 5
Delaware-based company CAMS is raising money to create a range of mounting plates for DSLR users to carry their gear from a mount on the bottom, rather than the top of the camera. The low-profile CAMS Pro Camera Plate and Lens Plate attach to the tripod screws on the bottom of your camera (and lenses with a tripod collar) and provide a firm mounting point for the company's quick-release neoprene straps, allowing your gear to be carried comfortably at hip level, ready to be brought quickly into the shooting position. Read more
The new Motorola Moto X is a solid upgrade over its predecessor.
This December, Canon will release a firmware update for its popular EOS C500 and EOS C300 video cameras, as well as version 1.3 of its Cinema RAW Development software. Support is added for a new color space used in recent broadcast testing, and both cameras will also gain the ability to use the assignable Func. button to specify color temperature. Read more
September 4
Ahead of a Photokina launch, Hong-Kong based SLR Magic has announced the HyperPrime Cine 10mm T2.1 lens for Micro Four Thirds and SLR Magic 77 ND 0.4-ND 1.8 filter. The manual focus lens offers a 20mm equivalent angle on a Micro Four Thirds body, and is designed to a videographer's taste with a stepless aperture ring. It will be available at the end of October for $799. Read more
The Ascend Mate 7 is Huawei's competitor to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
Nokia's Lumia 830 comes with optical image stabilization and a range of innovative camera modes.
Winners of the 2014 British Wildlife Photography Awards have been announced, with an overall winner, category winners and highly commended photos receiving recognition. Winning entries will be included in an exhibition touring the UK as well as a photo book, and the overall winner will be awarded a £5000 cash prize. Take a look at the photo that took top prize as well as category winners. See gallery
September 3
Sony's new 8-inch tablet is a more compact alternative to the 10-inch Xperia Z2 tablet.
Sony's new Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact smartphones offer an ISO 12800 sensitivity setting.
The Galaxy Note 4 is the first Samsung smartphone to offer an optical image stabilization system.
The Asus MeMO Pad 7 offers high-end specifications and an affordable price.
Sony got a lot of attention when it released a pair of cameras which clip onto a smartphone last fall. They're really going to raise a lot of eyebrows now, with their QX1, which features an APS-C sensor and E-mount. Yep, an Alpha on your phone. Take a tour of the QX1 and the superzoom QX30 cameras right here.
Sony has announced the QX1 and QX30, expanding its line of 'lens-style' cameras ready to be paired with a smartphone. The QX1 is an interchangeable lens model, containing a 20MP APS-C sensor and a Sony E-mount for use with lenses designed for Sony's mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. More like the existing QX10 and QX100, the QX30 is single unit containing a sensor and lens, providing a 20MP 1/2.3"-type sensor and a longer 30x optical zoom. Read more
September 2
Canon US has confirmed multiple price drops across its range of lenses, including several L-series models. According to Canon the price reductions are in honor of reaching a milestone - the production of 100 million EF lenses. Price drops range from a modest $40 up to $1000 off the original retail price, depending on the lens. Read more
German optical manufacturer Zeiss has announced a new range of lenses called Loxia, designed for full frame cameras using the Sony E mount – essentially the Sony Alpha 7 series at the moment. The Loxia 2/35 and Loxia 2/50 are based on the company's existing 35mm f/2 Biogon and 50mm f/2 Planar lenses from the ZM range. Read more
In the build-up to Photokina, Canon is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The seed was planted in 1934 when a company called Seiki-Kogaku Kenkyusho placed an advert for a camera called the Kwanon in the Asahi Camera magazine. The company, whose name translates as Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, was formed to develop the first Japanese 35mm rangefinder camera in a world where European brands, such as Leica and Contax, dominated. Read more
The Fujfilm X30 offers a 2/3" X-Trans II CMOS sensor and a 28-112mm equivalent F2.0-2.8 lens - both of which are retained from the X20 that precedes it. New features include a larger, tilting 3" LCD, an XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, a control wheel around the lens, and greatly improved battery life. We've had access to a pre-production camera for a few days now, and we've been given permission to post some images. Click through for a link to our gallery.
September 1
Ten years after the end of WWII, Germany was rebuilding. Cities like Berlin, which had been severely damaged during the war were emerging from the rubble as the 'Wirtschaftswunder' or 'economic miracle' transformed West Germany. In the immediate post-war period hundreds of thousands of allied troops were stationed in the divided country, many of them with cameras. Found recently at a flea market, the images in this article date from 1956-7 and were taken by a US Serviceman in Berlin. Click through to take a look.
| Lone Xmas tree by Hank3152 from Christmas lights | Iceberg in Hornsund, Svalbard by Juerg Alean from Nature in the Shade |