Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Tuesday, 2 July 2013

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Tuesday, 2 July 2013 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Hello! And welcome to the 464th Digital Photography Review newsletter. I'm a day late with this week's newsletter, partly due to a summer cold which has knocked me sideways but mostly to make room for the new Canon EOS 70D, which was announced late last night (Seattle time). The 70D is a deceptively exciting product with an all-new and potentially ground-breaking AF system, and you'll find a link to our in-depth preview below. The 70D isn't the only interesting new camera to be released in the past week - Fujifilm unveiled the very attractive X-M1, and Sony has been busy too, coming out with new RX100 II and RX1R. Naturally, we've written detailed articles about all of them, because that's what we do. So let's take a look at some of the highlights from our most recent content: Canon EOS 70D In-depth Preview For some time now, Canon's APS-C cameras have all sported variants on the same basic sensor design, to the extent that you could be forgiven for wondering what on earth their engineers were doing all day. Now we know. From the outside the 70D looks very similar to the EOS 60D, but on the inside it sports a brand-new 'Dual Pixel CMOS AF' sensor that promises much-improved focusing in live view and movie mode. It also borrows most of the best bits of Canon's existing SLRs, including the AF module from the EOS 7D, the articulated touchscreen from the EOS 700D, and built-in Wi-Fi from the EOS 6D. In our detailed preview we take a closer look, and try to get to grips with its innovative sensor technology. Click here to read our in-depth preview of the Canon EOS 70D Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II and RX1R Detailed Previews Sony released two new cameras last week - the RX100 II, and RX1R. Neither is exactly 'brand new' but both have a lot to offer compared to their nominal predecessors. The RX100 II does not replace the original RX100, but sits above it as Sony's new flagship zoom compact, offering a 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor (the largest of this type that we've ever seen) and a tiltable rear LCD, among other refinements. The RX1R is almost an exact clone of last year's RX1, but its full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor doesn't have an AA filter, for slightly better resolution. It does not replace the original RX1R, but sits alongside it in Sony's lineup, at the same MSRP of $2800. We've written detailed hands-on previews of both cameras, including galleries of real-world images, and we've also made a start on the studio work for the RX1R. Specifically, we've published studio scene comparisons and resolution images in both JPEG and Raw mode alongside the original RX1, to see just what difference the omission of the AA filter makes. Click here to read our in-depth preview of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II And here to read our in-depth preview of the Sony Cyber-shot RX1R Pentax MX-1 In-depth Review Styled to recall the golden days of camera design, the Pentax MX-1 features a bright F1.8-2.5 28-112mm equivalent zoom lens, a 12MP 1/1.7" sensor, and a 3-inch, 920K-dot tilting LCD screen. A retro look and feel is great, but does that translate into a good camera for modern times? Click the links below to read our review! Click here for our in-depth review of the Pentax MX-1 Fujifilm X-M1 In-depth Preview Fujifilm's latest miniaturized mirrorless model represents something of a design departure from its previous X-system cameras, eschewing the traditional control dials seen on the X-E1 and X-Pro1 for a more contemporary control layout. It also forgoes an eye-level viewfinder, making do with a tilting rear screen instead. Is this a betrayal of everything Fujifilm owners have grown to love about their cameras, or is there more to the little X-M1 than meets the eye? Read our preview to find out. Click here to read our in-depth preview of the Fujifilm X-M1 Buyers' Guide: Best DSLRs and ILCs for under $1000 Good-quality DSLRs and interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs) typically provide plenty of manual controls, comfortable ergonomics, and support a legacy of lenses for years to come. But old or new, getting hold of a quality digital camera still requires you to put down a decent chunk of change. In this article we're going to look at ten of the best DSLRs and ILCs available for under $1,000. We've included current cameras that we really like, and last-generation bargains, too. Click here to read our roundup of DSLR and ILC bargains for under $1000 Olympus TG-2 Review In the second in our series of rugged/underwater camera reviews, we're taking a look at the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS, whose main claim to fame is its 25-100mm lens, which has a maximum aperture of F2 at wide-angle. The TG-2 also boasts a fully-featured GPS, limited manual controls, wireless flash control, and a unique 'tap control' feature. Find out what we thought about Olympus' flagship rugged camera by clicking the link below. Click here to read our review of the Olympus TG-2 What's coming up? Coming up we've got the rest of our short reviews of this year's crop of waterproof/tough cameras, and the next one in the queue is the Nikon Coolpix AW110. We're also working on the Canon EOS Rebel SL1/100D and the Pentax Q7. We're hoping to start publishing some studio and real-world samples from the Olympus PEN E-P5 in the next few days, as well, and of course the Fujifilm X100S review is in progress too. Lots to look forward to. As always, thanks for reading, I'm off now to find some cough medicine. See you next week! Barney WTD #1412 Check out What The Duck in our Link Directory
News updates Fujifilm announces X-M1 mirrorless camera and XC 16-50mm OIS lens Published on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 1:00:00 AM GMT Fujifilm has announced the X-M1, a compact-bodied mirrorless camera that features a rather different design to its previous models. Instead of 'traditional' shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, the X-M1 uses twin electronic control dials to change exposure parameters. It has a tilting 920k dot 3" LCD screen but no eye-level viewfinder, and uses the same 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor as the X-Pro1 and X-E1. It comes with a new kit zoom, the XC 16-50mm F3.6-5.6 OIS that offers a 24-75mm equivalent range and optical stabilisation, but has no aperture ring. The X-M1 16-50mm kit will have an RRP of $799/£679.99. Read full story → Fujifilm introduces XF 27mm F2.8 'pancake' lens Published on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 1:00:00 AM GMT Fujifilm has introduced the XF 27mm F2.8, a compact 'pancake' lens for its X-system cameras. It's just 23mm thick and weighs only 78g, making it by far the smallest X-mount lens. This means there's no space for an aperture ring, so X-Pro1 and X-E1 owners will need to update their firmware to allow aperture setting from the camera's rear control dial. It'll be available in either black or silver, at an MSRP of $449.95. Read full story → Fujifilm updates X-Pro1 and X-E1 firmware for lens compatibility Published on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 1:00:00 AM GMT Fujifilm has announced a set of firmware updates for its X-Pro1 and X-E1 mirrorless cameras. Versions 2.05 for the X-Pro1 and 1.06 for the X-E1 are available to download now; they offer compatibility with lenses that don't have aperture rings, and allow easier focus area selection when shooting with the eye-level viewfinder. The company has also pre-announced further updates (Versions 3.00 for the X-Pro1, and 2.00 for the X-E1) which promise to improve autofocus speed with existing XF lenses, and add the much-requested 'focus peaking' function to aid manual focus. These are due to be available for download on 23rd July.    Read full story → Just posted: Our Fujifilm X-M1 hands-on preview Published on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 1:01:08 AM GMT Just posted: Our detailed Fujifilm X-M1 hands-on preview. Fujifilm's latest miniaturised mirrorless model represents something of a design departure from its previous X-system cameras, eschewing the traditional control dials seen on the X-E1 and X-Pro1 for a more contemporary control layout. It also forgoes an eye-level viewfinder, making do with a tilting rear screen instead. Is this a betrayal of everything Fujifilm owners have grown to love about their cameras, or is there more to the little X-M1 than meets the eye? Read our preview to find out. Read full story → Just posted: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x review Published on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 1:53:07 PM GMT Just posted: Our quick review of the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x: the world's first SLR zoom with a built-in switchable teleconverter. It's been two years in the making, but when Canon offered to show us a production version of its professional super-telezoom, we couldn't help but be intrigued. In this review we've teamed up with DxOMark to bring you full optical test data of this unique lens, backed up by some quick real-world examples. So how does it perform? Click through to find out.  Read full story → Photojournalist gives new perspective on Google Glass Published on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 8:08:18 PM GMT What happens when you give Google Glass to a skilled photographer? Richard Koci Hernandez is a San Francisco Bay Area-based photojournalist and prolific iPhone photographer who's recently been trying Google's new wearable technology to capture his surroundings. See how his style translates behind Google Glass, today on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → 645 Pro update brings even more DSLR control to your smartphone Published on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 8:09:43 PM GMT 645 Pro's latest update has given the iOS app a complete makeover. Now called 645 Pro Mk II, Jaggr's 'professional' photo app now makes your smartphone's camera interface look and perform even more like that of a modern DSLR. For a detailed look at what's changed, head over to connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Nikon issues firmware update for D7100 Published on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 4:55:40 PM GMT Nikon has released a firmware update for its Nikon D7100 digital SLR. Firmware version C 1.01 corrects errors in how certain kinds of shooting data is displayed, and aims to resolve other issues relating to live view shooting of stills and video. Click through for more details and a link to download the latest D7100 firmware. Read full story → Dropbox adds multiple photo sharing to mobile app Published on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 6:25:09 PM GMT File hosting and sharing service Dropbox is becoming an increasingly popular choice for photographers who use the platform to share images. An update launched yesterday for Dropbox's free iOS app now lets users share multiple photos at once - see what else is new on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Sony unleashes Cyber-shot RX100 II with BSI CMOS sensor Published on Thursday, June 27, 2013 4:00:14 AM GMT The other big announcement from Sony today is a 'Mark II' version of its popular Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 compact camera. The RX100 II features a new 1-inch, 20.2 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, which Sony claims is 40% more sensitive in low light than its predecessor. Other improvements including a tilting rear LCD, Multi Interface hotshoe, and Wi-Fi and NFC capability. Click through for more details.  Read full story → Sony reveals AA-filter-less Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R Published on Thursday, June 27, 2013 4:01:14 AM GMT Sony has introduced the new Cyber-shot RX1R full-frame premium compact camera. In terms of operation and functionality the RX1R is exactly the same as the RX1 that's been on sale since last Fall, the only difference being that it has no anti-aliasing (AA) filter. In theory, this means that you'll get even better resolution than the original RX1, with the trade-off of increased moiré. Everything else remains the same as before, which means that the RX1R sports an F2, 35mm lens, 24MP CMOS sensor, 1080/60p movie recording, and much more. Click through for more details.  Read full story → Panasonic announces revised Lumix G 20mm F1.7 II ASPH lens Published on Thursday, June 27, 2013 4:01:45 AM GMT Panasonic has announced the Lumix G 20mm F1.7 II ASPH, a revised version of its classic fast pancake lens for Micro Four Thirds. The H-HS020A, as Panasonic likes to call it, features a metallic exterior and slightly reduced weight, and will come in a choice of silver or black finishes. The optical design appears to be unchanged, with 7 elements in 5 groups including 2 aspheric elements; not a bad thing as its predecessor is one of our favourite lenses. The 20mm F1.7 II will be available in late July at a price of $399/£349. Read full story → Sony introduces HVL-F43M flash with Multi Interface Shoe, video lamp Published on Thursday, June 27, 2013 4:02:05 AM GMT Sony has announced the HVL-F43M, a high-end flash unit that's based on the HVL-F43AM but uses Sony's Multi Interface Shoe, which can be found on the latest SLT, NEX, and R-series cameras. The HVL-F43M also features a LED video lamp for brightening up subjects for still and video recording. It retains the 'Quick Shift Bounce' feature of its predecessor, which allows you to rotate the flash head 90 degrees for portrait shooting. It will be available in July for $400. Read full story → Just posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II Preview with real-world samples Published on Thursday, June 27, 2013 4:14:07 AM GMT Just posted: Our hands-on preview of the new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II. The RX100 II offers a host of improvements over its predecessor, including a new BSI-CMOS sensor, hot shoe, and articulating LCD. We've had a working sample of Sony's new 20MP 1"-type sensor compact for a few days, and we've prepared a hands-on preview, including a gallery of real-world shots, showing off its improved image quality. Click through for a link to the preview. Read full story → Just posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R Preview with studio and real-world samples Published on Thursday, June 27, 2013 4:19:20 AM GMT Just posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSCRX1R hands-on preview. We've had a few days to try out Sony's new Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R, the sister camera to the RX1. The only difference between these two full-frame enthusiast cameras is that the RX1R's 24MP sensor lacks an anti-aliasing filter. We've created a hands-on preview of the RX1R, including a gallery of real-world samples and some preliminary studio tests, to give you an idea of how the new camera performs. Click through for our preview. Read full story → Carl Zeiss drops 'Carl', becomes 'ZEISS' Published on Friday, June 28, 2013 6:24:22 PM GMT We've all been there - your friend Carl is over by the fridge, getting some ice, and there you are with an expensive new Carl Zeiss lens, and you're describing it to someone, and Carl keeps saying 'What? What did you say? Do you want ice?' It's confusing. No wonder then that German lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss has decided to officially drop the 'Carl' and will henceforth be known simply as ZEISS. According to the manufacturer's blog, the decision was taken to 'create consistency' across its brand communications. Click through for more details (and no more terrible Carl puns, we promise). Read full story → SunTimes/DarkTimes blog highlights effect of Chicago Sun-Times layoffs Published on Friday, June 28, 2013 6:34:12 PM GMT A new Tumblr blog, SunTimes/DarkTimes is documenting the effects of the recent layoffs at the photo department of the Chicago Sun-Times. The blog is posting comparisons highlighting the difference between photo coverage in the Sun-Times to that of the Chicago Tribune. The results certainly seem to reinforce the views of many commentators who warned that the Sun-Times' photo coverage would suffer as a result of the cost-cutting. Click through for some images and a link to the SunTimes/DarkTimes Tumblr. Read full story → Triggertrap Flash Adapter helps capture high-speed photos Published on Friday, June 28, 2013 7:03:51 PM GMT Triggertrap's new flash adapter activates any hot shoe-equipped flash from an iPhone using a specialized mobile dongle, flash adapter and iOS app - ideal for freezing high-speed action using your off-camera flash. Using sound as its trigger, the app and hardware combination is designed to fire flashes when sound is detected through an iOS smartphone, allowing capture of fast-moving subjects. Learn more about how it works on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Just posted: Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS Review Published on Friday, June 28, 2013 7:20:58 PM GMT We've just posted the second in our series of rugged/underwater camera reviews. This time around, we're taking a look at the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS, whose main claim to fame is its 25-100mm lens, which has a maximum aperture of F2 at wide-angle. The TG-2 also boasts a fully-featured GPS, limited manual controls, wireless flash control, and a unique 'tap control' feature. For all the details - and our conclusions - follow the link. Read full story → What The Duck #1412 Published on Friday, June 28, 2013 9:45:33 PM GMT We've been fans of Aaron Johnson's comic strip 'What the Duck' for years. 'WTD' is one of the best satirical comic strips in the world, and it's published here every week, as well as being included in our weekly newsletter. Barbed, topical and always amusing, we hope you enjoy WTD as much as we do. Click through for this week's strip. Read full story → Buyers' Guide: Best DSLRs and ILCs for under $1000 Published on Saturday, June 29, 2013 1:37:38 AM GMT Good-quality DSLRs and interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs) typically provide plenty of manual controls, comfortable ergonomics, and support a legacy of lenses for years to come. But old or new, getting hold of a quality digital camera still requires you to put down a decent chunk of change. In this article we're going to look at ten of the best DSLRs and ILCs available for under $1,000. We've included current cameras that we really like, and last-generation bargains, too. Click through for a link to the full article. Read full story → Shutterbug Remote looks to launch next-gen device Published on Monday, July 1, 2013 8:14:33 PM GMT The creators of the Shutterbug Remote are looking to fans of the remote camera trigger technology to fund version 2.0 of their device. Aimed at photographers who want to capture time-lapse videos, time-delay portraits, low-light images, and other complex shots, developers are envisioning even more features and broader compatibility in a next-gen version; learn more at connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Just posted: Pentax MX-1 review Published on Monday, July 1, 2013 9:34:59 PM GMT We've just posted our Pentax MX-1 review. Designed to recall the golden days of camera design, the Pentax MX-1 features a bright F1.8-2.5 28-112mm equivalent zoom lens, a 12MP 1/1.7" sensor, and a 3-inch, 920K-dot tilting LCD screen. Brass plates top and bottom are a minor feature of the MX-1 that Pentax was nevertheless careful to highlight as giving that old camera feel, even showing signs of wear over time. A retro look and feel is great, but does that translate into a good camera for modern times? Click through to read our review. Read full story →
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