Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Wednesday, 28 August 2013

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Wednesday, 28 August 2013 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Hello! And welcome to the 472nd Digital Photography Review newsletter. Well after last night's product announcements from Sony, and a whistlestop visit to Canon's HQ last week to see the new PowerShot G16 and S120 I'm afraid you catch me on a pretty tired day. I just drank something to stay awake, and while I'm not exactly sure what's in it (I'd rather not know), apparently I've got 'hours of energy' to look forward to, so apologies of this newsletter starts going a little weird... I'll try to keep it together. The past few days was mainly about new products ('tis the season) but we also took an enjoyable journey back in time to some of the more... unusual early digital cameras, and I had fun sharing my thoughts on commenting, trolls and fanboys in Monday's editorial. Links to all of those pieces follow below. So before I start hallucinating, let's get started! Sony Alpha A3000 Announced and Previewed A DSLR for under four hundred dollars? That might be what it looks like, but under the hood, Sony's latest interchangeable lens camera is all NEX. The Sony A3000 offers a 20.1 megapixel APS-C sensor, a built-in electronic viewfinder, full HD video and a Sony E-mount for interchangeable lenses all for an MSRP of $400 including an 18-55mm kit lens. The competitively priced A3000 offers all the trimmings of an entry-level DSLR including a fixed 3.0-inch LCD, built-in flash and hotshoe. It's a bold move - click the links below to read our first impressions review and find out what we think in more detail. Click here to read our first impressions review of the Sony Alpha A3000 Canon Announces PowerShot G16 and S120 - And We've Got Real-world Samples! It's that time of year again - last week Canon announced its PowerShot G16 and S120 premium compact cameras - both of which benefit from only relatively minor updates compared to their predecessors. The G16 ($550) has the same lens, sensor, and design, but with Wi-Fi, a DIGIC 6 processor, a 12.2 fps burst mode, and a 1080/60p video mode. The Canon S120 ($450) has Wi-Fi like the S110 and gains a slightly faster lens (F1.8-5.7 vs F2.0-5.9), a 12.1 fps burst mode, and 60p video recording. We've had a G16 for a few days and we've published a gallery of real-world samples. Follow the links below to read our announcement content and to view our samples gallery. Click here to view our announcement coverage of the Canon PowerShot G16 and S120 Click here to view our gallery of sample images from the PowerShot G16 Ten Unique Cameras From the Dawn of Digital Photography Do you remember having to change floppy disks on your Sony Mavica? Or perhaps plugging your Coolpix 100 into the side of your laptop? The early days of consumer digital photography were filled with cameras that broke new ground, though not necessarily in directions that were widely adopted. In this article, we take a look back at ten unique cameras from the era of PC Cards and SCSI ports. Follow the link to explore some of the interesting dead-ends of early digital photography. Click here to view our article 'Ten unique cameras from the dawn of consumer digital photography' Sony introduces NEX-5T Wi-Fi and NFC enabled mirrorless camera Sony has announced the Sony Alpha NEX-5T, boasting all the same features that the Alpha NEX-5R offered with the addition of NFC. Smartphones and tablets with the technology will be able to pair easily with the NEX-5T to take advantage of its wireless connectivity. With a 16.1 megapixel APS-C sized sensor, Wi-Fi connectivity and a 3.0-inch flip-up touch LCD, the NEX-5T is introduced at $50 less than its predecessor's initial MSRP. Click here to read our announcement coverage of the new Sony NEX-5T Editorial: Why some people hate comments (and why we don't) Mat Honan of Wired.com thinks the time has come to banish comments sections from web pages. Writing in Wired.com's Gadget Lab blog, Honan describes the 'collective delusion' among online publishers that comments are a necessary component of web content and characterizes active comments moderation as 'a messy, frustrating and typically thankless affair that involves more time than most people have'. In this short editorial, editor Barnaby Britton explains why we do allow comments, despite the downsides. Click here to read 'Why some people hate comments (and why we don't)' What's coming up? Stop me if you've read this before, but we're working on full reviews of the Olympus E-P5, and Sigma's impressive new 18-35mm F1.8 standard zoom. The product announcements of the past few days have pushed both pieces of content back a little, but we're focusing on getting them done asap, before we go insane. We've also got reviews in-progress on the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II and Fujifilm X-M1. In addition, part two of our nostalgic look back at early digital cameras in the pipeline, and product announcement season isn't over yet, so keep an eye on our homepage. Thanks for reading! I'm going to bed now. Or maybe go for a run. Or maybe fall over. I probably shouldn't drink energy drinks. Barney WTD #1431 Check out What The Duck in our Link Directory GearShop update - a message from Laura This week's best deals: Save up to $300 on popular Fujifilm X-mount lenses when you buy one (or more) with an X-E1 or and X-Pro 1. Both cameras have excellent rangefinder-styling, analog dial controls, and Fujifilm's unique hybrid electronic viewfinder. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 is on sale too! Save $200 on the weather-sealed, fast camera that is sure to please demanding photographers and videographers alike. New in the shop: Pre-order the newest products from Canon and Sony: a slew of new Canon PowerShots, and the Sony a3000 - an incredibly affordable SLR-like mirrorless camera for beginners. On top of all the sale prices, don't forget about the 4% GearShop rewards you'll earn too! Until next week - Laura and the GearShop Team
News updates Artist Rolf Sachs' photo series inspired by train travel, embraces blur Published on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 10:00:00 AM GMT Anyone who's traveled by train has seen the landscape outside of their car moving by in a blur. While most of us turn our attention back to our reading material and mobile devices, artist Rolf Sachs' finds inspiration. His photo series, called 'Camera in Motion,' aims to capture the effect of the blurred landscapes outside of his train traveling between Switzerland and Italy. The resulting images walk a line between landscape photography and surrealist art. Click through to see some of his work. Read full story → Joby introduces GPod Mini Magnetic and MPod Mini Stand flexible tripods Published on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 11:00:00 AM GMT Joby has announced two new flexible tripods. The GPod Mini Magnetic is designed for compact cameras, and the MPod Mini Stand will hold a smartphone in or out of a case. Smaller than the original Gorillapod, the GPod Mini Magnetic - as its name implies - contains magnets in its feet to secure a compact camera to a metal surface. It can hold cameras weighing up to 325 grams. The MPod Mini Stand will accommodate a phone as wide as 3.2 inches between its rubberized 'jaws.' Click through for more details and pricing. Read full story → Kodak bankruptcy plan approved, former film giant exits consumer business Published on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 7:42:20 PM GMT The Kodak planning to exit from bankruptcy on September 3rd looks very different from the familiar imaging company that filed for Chapter 11 last year. The U.S. Bankruptcy court has approved Kodak's plan for reorganization, a step that means the company can resume independent operation soon. CEO Antonio M. Perez issued a statement emphasizing Kodak's move into commercial imaging for a profitable future, including "packaging, functional printing and professional services." Click through to read more about where Kodak now stands. Read full story → Canon's premium PowerShot G16 and S120 get minor updates Published on Thursday, August 22, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has announced its PowerShot G16 and S120 premium compact cameras - both of which get only minor updates compared to their predecessors. The G16 ($550) has the same lens, sensor, and design, but with Wi-Fi, a DIGIC 6 processor, a 12.2 fps burst mode, and a 1080/60p video mode. The Canon S120 ($450) has Wi-Fi like the S110 and gains a slightly faster lens (F1.8-5.7 vs F2.0-5.9), a 12.1 fps burst mode, and 60p video recording. Click through for more. Read full story → Canon reveals EF-S 55-250 F4-5.6 IS STM kit-friendly zoom lens Published on Thursday, August 22, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has released a version of its EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 lens that uses its STM stepping motor. STM lenses are designed for movie recording, with the goal of providing smooth and silent focusing. Unlike its predecessor, the STM version of the 55-250 has internal focusing. You'll be able to pick up the 55-250 STM lens in late September for $350. It's also a safe bet that the 55-250 STM will come bundled with Canon DSLRs in the near future. Read full story → Canon unveils PowerShot SX510 HS and SX170 IS superzooms Published on Thursday, August 22, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has announced its PowerShot SX510 and SX170 superzoom digital cameras. The PowerShot SX510 HS now uses a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (versus a 16MP CCD on its predecessor), hence the new 'HS' designation. It offers Wi-Fi connectivity and what's almost certainly the same 24-720mm equivalent optical zoom lens, a 3-inch LCD and Full HD video. The SX170 is essentially the same as its SX160 that came before it, with a 16x optical zoom and 16 megapixel CCD, though it's no longer powered by AA-batteries. The cameras are priced at $250 and $180, respectively. Read full story → Canon announces PowerShot N Facebook ready edition Published on Thursday, August 22, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has created a 'Facebook ready' variant of its social-media-focused PowerShot N digital camera. The 'Facebook ready' version will only be available directly from Canon (in the US, at least) and has a dedicated Facebook connect button in the place of the connect-to-device one on the standard N. Once the camera has been taught your login details, you can upload images with a choice of who gets to see them, once posted. The 1/2.3" 12MP sensor camera will cost $299. Read full story → Canon adds Pixma MG7120 and MG5520 all-in-one printers Published on Thursday, August 22, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT Canon has refreshed its all-in-one lineup with the launch of the Pixma MG7120 and 5520. Both are Wi-Fi capable and, with use of the Pixma Printing Solutions app, can print directly from a host of popular social networks and cloud storage services. Both are also compatible with Apple's AirPrint system. The faster, higher-resolution, 6-ink MG7120 includes a 3.5" touchscreen and the ability to print on CDs and DVDs - it costs around $199. The 5-ink MG5520 has a 2.5" screen and will cost around $149. Read full story → Apple RAW compatibility update adds support for Canon 70D and more Published on Friday, August 23, 2013 2:46:00 AM GMT Apple has released RAW Compatibility Update version 4.08 for Aperture, iPhoto '11, and Mac OS X in general. This update adds support for the Canon EOS 70D, Fujifilm X-M1, Sony RX100 II and five additional cameras. You can download the new software via the System Update feature in Mac OS X or via the source link on the following page. There you'll also find a full list of the newly supported cameras. Read full story → Connected cameras of the future: Crossover solutions Published on Friday, August 23, 2013 3:24:30 AM GMT As camera manufacturers attempt to counter the onslaught of a smartphone-in-every-pocket mobile photography movement taking the place of point-and-shoot cameras, some solutions seek to combine the two devices. Our sister site, connect.dpreview.com has pulled together a handful of these ideas - now in production or still in development - for your interest (and, possibly, amusement). Are these technological wonders that you'll spend your hard-earned cash for, or are they destined for the recycle bin? Read full story → LensRentals shipping Canon EOS 5D Mark III with Magic Lantern Published on Friday, August 23, 2013 3:52:20 AM GMT LensRentals.com is now shipping the Canon EOS 5D Mark III with the Magic Lantern 'hack' pre-installed. The most notable feature gained by using Magic Lantern on the 5D Mark III is Raw video support, which offers much better video quality than on the 'stock' camera. The rest of the Magic Lantern feature set is also available, including focus peaking, an intervalometer, too many movie enhancements to list, plus the DR improvement that we reported on last month. Read full story → Nearly deleted photo helps shot putter secure gold Published on Friday, August 23, 2013 9:00:00 AM GMT Reuters photographer Kai Pfaffenbach found himself unexpectedly on the other side of the lens at the IAAF World Championship Men's Shot Put Finals. His photo of Germany's David Storl was used as evidence in a decision that overturned a 'foul' call and awarded the athlete a gold medal. When it was called into question whether Storl stepped outside of the ring in his attempt, Pfaffenbach discovered that his remote camera clearly showed Storl's attempt to be fair. Click through for more. Read full story → DxOMark rates lenses for Pentax K-50, and reviews Sigma 50-500mm Published on Friday, August 23, 2013 3:22:53 PM GMT Our friends and collaborators over at DxOMark have been investigating lenses for the Pentax K-50, and have just published an article assessing which score best on this well-featured little SLR. They've looked at 28 different models, from both Pentax itself and third-party makes like Sigma and Tamron, and given recommendations for the best lens to buy in various categories. This week they've also tested the Sigma APO 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM super-telephoto zoom, and compared it to the rather more expensive Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. Click through for the links.   Read full story → RayFlash introduces universal Ringflash adapter with new clamp design Published on Friday, August 23, 2013 8:17:09 PM GMT RayFlash has announced a new universal ringflash adapter for DSLRs. Designed to clamp on to your own hotshoe flash, it utilizes the light from your existing flash unit and bends it through the circular structure around the lens of a DSLR. It's offered in two sizes - one fits most DSLRs (and the Olympus E-M5 O-MD) and another is configured with a longer neck for cameras with a higher body. It replaces the original adapter which could only accommodate a few Nikon and Canon flash units. Click through for more information. Read full story → What The Duck #1431 Published on Friday, August 23, 2013 10:20:52 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.  Read full story → Retro-styled Mini 90 takes Fujifilm's Instax line back to the future Published on Sunday, August 25, 2013 8:00:07 AM GMT Fujifilm has updated its venerable line of Instax instant film cameras with the new 'Neo Classic' Mini 90, which takes its styling cues from recent X-series digital cameras like the X100S and X-E1. As well as an updated (or rather backdated) design, the Mini 90 includes a lithium-ion battery and features several shooting modes including a macro focus mode, double exposure and bulb - where the shutter can be held open for very long exposures or creative effects. Click through for more details and a link to Fujifilm's (Japanese) Mini 90 microsite. Read full story → Alligator steals DSLR, kindly returns it eight months later Published on Sunday, August 25, 2013 8:11:17 AM GMT During a holiday party at the Everglades Alligator Farm last year, employee and budding wildlife photographer Mario Aldecoa was setting up his camera to capture the glowing eyes of the local residents. It wasn't long after he mounted his Canon DSLR to a tripod when, in a flash, one of the gators grabbed the whole thing as if it was lunch. After a fruitless search the next morning, Aldecoa had all but given up on finding his camera. Eight months later, he was in for a surprise. Read full story → Soak in the season with these vivid summer photos Published on Sunday, August 25, 2013 6:00:00 PM GMT Summer's fast on its way out, something we're acutely aware of in the Pacific Northwest. We're trying to make the most of our sunny days before the clouds and drizzle set in. For a healthy dose of Vitamin D any time of year, take a look at photographer Isac Goulart's sun-soaked images. The Brazilian photographer's colorful beach photos aim to capture the very essence of long summer days. Check them out - and maybe take a few of your own before the weather's gone. Read full story → Michael Wolf offers a new perspective on Hong Kong's high-rises Published on Monday, August 26, 2013 6:03:42 AM GMT At first glance, Michael Wolf's photos look like they could be a tapestry or abstract art. Look closer and you'll see that they're actually cleverly composed photos of Hong Kong's ubiquitous high-rises. Wolf would head to one of the many hills in the city - or sometimes just go upstairs in an adjacent building - and set up his camera. The results are spectacular, as you'll see after the link. Read full story → Editorial: Why some people hate comments (and why we don't) Published on Monday, August 26, 2013 9:04:41 AM GMT Mat Honan of Wired.com thinks the time has come to banish comments sections from web pages. Writing in Wired.com's Gadget Lab blog, Honan describes the 'collective delusion' among online publishers that comments are a necessary component of web content and characterizes active comments moderation as 'a messy, frustrating and typically thankless affair that involves more time than most people have'. In this short editorial, editor Barnaby Britton explains why we do allow comments, despite the downsides.  Read full story → Canon PowerShot G16 Real-world Samples Gallery Published on Monday, August 26, 2013 5:51:04 PM GMT Canon's latest flagship compact camera features a 12MP CMOS sensor, 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens and built-in WiFi. The PowerShot G16 was announced just a few days ago, but we've managed to get hold of one and we've spent the weekend shooting with it in a range of different environments. There's more content on the way, but in the meantime, we hope you enjoy our quick 38-image gallery of JPEGs from the 12MP PowerShot G16.  Read full story → Facebook introduces shared photo albums Published on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 12:05:51 AM GMT Facebook has started rolling out shared photo albums to select users of their social networking website. Currently, photo albums are limited to the user that created it. Shared albums will allow users to create a gallery that can be used by as many as 50 friends, each of whom can upload up to 200 photos. You can learn more about shared photo albums and when you can try it for yourself on our sister site, Connect. Read full story → Sony introduces SLR-esque A3000, a mirrorless camera for $400 Published on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT Sony's latest interchangeable lens camera may look like an SLR, but underneath the hood it's all NEX. The Sony A3000 offers a 20.1 megapixel APS-C sensor, a built-in electronic viewfinder, full HD video and a Sony E-mount for interchangeable lenses all for an MSRP of $399 with an 18-55mm kit lens. The competitively priced A3000 offers all the trimmings of an entry-level DSLR including a fixed 3.0-inch LCD, built-in flash and hotshoe. Click through for the full press release and pricing. Read full story → Sony introduces NEX-5T Wi-Fi and NFC enabled mirrorless camera Published on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT Sony has announced the Sony Alpha NEX-5T, boasting all the same features that the Alpha NEX-5R offered with the addition of NFC. Smartphones and tablets with the technology will be able to pair easily with the NEX-5T to take advantage of its wireless connectivity. With a 16.1 megapixel APS-C sized sensor, Wi-Fi connectivity and a 3.0-inch flip-up touch LCD, the NEX-5T is introduced at $50 less than its predecessor's initial MSRP. Click through for more information. Read full story → Sony launches Zeiss 16-70mm F4 OSS, 18-105mm F4 G, and black 50mm F1.8 E-mount lenses Published on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT Sony has announced three new E-mount lenses today for NEX system cameras: the Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar T* 16-70mm ZA F4, 18-105mm F4 G OSS power zoom, and a black version of its 50mm F1.8 OSS. All three feature Sony's Optical SteadyShot image stabilization. According to Sony, the 50mm F1.8 and 16-70mm F4 zoom will be ready to ship to consumers in September, with the 18-105mm F4 power zoom following in December. Click through for more details. Read full story → Wolf in sheep's clothing? Sony A3000 First-Impressions Review Published on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 4:05:26 AM GMT The Sony A3000 is essentially a 20.1MP mirrorless camera that uses the same E-mount as the Sony NEX, yet which has the look and feel of a traditional SLR. Though not the first manufacturer to take this approach, Sony is the first to achieve the low starting price point of $399 for body and lens. It's a bold move; click through to read our first impressions review to see what we think in more detail. Read full story → Ricoh announces 'HD' update to Pentax DA Limited primes Published on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 10:00:00 PM GMT Ricoh Imaging has announced an updated set of Pentax DA Limited primes, with improved lens coatings and circular aperture diaphragms. Based on the existing 15mm F4, 21mm F3.2, 35mm F2.8 Macro, 40mm F2.8 and 70mm F2.4 designs, the 'HD' versions gain Pentax's multi-layer HD (High Definition) coating, promising reduced flare and ghosting, and include diaphragms that are completely rounded at large aperture settings to give attractive background blur. The lenses will all available in September 2013, in a choice of silver or black. Click through for more details, including pricing. Read full story → Ricoh introduces weather-resistant Pentax flash units Published on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 10:00:00 PM GMT Ricoh has announced the AF540FGZ II and AF360FGZ II Pentax-branded flash units. Both are updates to existing models, now boasting weather-sealed construction to match Pentax's line of weatherized DSLRs. The new flash units also feature built-in LED lights, intended for video recording. The AF540FGZ II offers a guide number of 54 at ISO 100/ft (178 ft) and the AF360FGZ II has a guide number of 36 at ISO 100/m (118 ft). Click through for the full press release. Read full story →
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