Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Wednesday, 25 September 2013

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Wednesday, 25 September 2013 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Hello! And welcome to the 476th Digital Photography Review newsletter. The big buzz in the tech world over the past few days has been Apple's new iPhone 5s and 5c which became available on Friday. It's easy to be dismissive of gadget trends, but as we've found out, the flagship iPhone 5s has a couple of neat tricks up its sleeve that should be of interest to photographers. You'll find links to a couple of pieces of content below, on both dpreview.com and our sister site, connect. Also last week we officially released the all-new studio scene we've been working on for some time, and which henceforth we'll be including in our reviews and previews. Our new scene is larger, more versatile, and it's supported by a much more complex, hopefully much more useful comparison interface. We're pretty proud of it, and we've been very impressed by the amount of positive and constructive feedback that it's generated. Please - keep it coming. The first full camera review to feature the new scene was the Sony RX100 II, which we published on Monday. You'll find a link to that review below, as well. Right! Let's take a look at some recent content highlights! Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Review We've just posted our full review of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II. Following on the success of the RX100 is no easy feat, but just the same the RX100 II does so with a new BSI CMOS sensor. Also new to this model is an accessory port/hotshoe, Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC, and a tiltable display. Outside of that, the RX100 II is a near clone of its predecessor, still bearing a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* f/1.8-4.9 zoom lens. The big story, of course, is what's behind that lens: a 1"-type, 20.2 megapixel sensor, the largest BSI CMOS chip we've yet seen. It's concealed in an otherwise unassuming compact camera body that's small enough to fit into a jacket pocket. We gave the RX100 a silver award when we reviewed it last year - see how the latest edition stacks up. Click here to read our review of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II Nikon 1 AW1 Waterproof, Submersible ILC First Impressions Review The Nikon 1 System has been around for a couple of years now, but the emergence of the AW1 signals a radical departure from what has been the norm. Functionally very similar to the 14MP J3 which Nikon announced earlier this year, the AW1 is waterproof to 15m (49ft), shockproof from 2m (6.6 ft), and freezeproof. The AW1 is being announced alongside two equally rugged lenses, and a range of colorful silicone skins for underwater and wet weather use. We had the opportunity to use the new camera recently, and we've put together a first impressions review covering its design, operation and key features. Click the link below to read all about it. Click here to read our First Impressions Review of the Nikon 1 AW1 New Studio Test Scene launched After many, many months of design and testing we are happy to announce the official unveiling of our studio test scene. The new scene was designed to address certain drawbacks with the previous test scene, as well as providing the opportunity to show more real-world relevant information about how cameras behave. We've been adding cameras to our new database at a rate of several per week and we'll be continuing to add models (old and new) throughout the rest of this year. Click here to read all about our new studio scene iPhone 5s real-world samples Apple's new iPhone 5S features a number of refinements that make it attractive to photographers, including a new, larger 8MP sensor, faster lens, improved panorama mode with 'dynamic auto exposure', built-in filter effects and a unique two-color flash for better low-light shots. You can see a large gallery of real-world samples over at connect.dpreview.com. Click here to see our gallery of real-world samples from the iPhone 5s Editorial: Why I can't stop taking iPhone panoramas I spent my weekend taking pictures on the new Apple iPhone 5s, and as well as various refinements, the new iPhone also offers an improved panorama mode with adaptive 'live' metering across the frame. In this short article I'll explain why even if you don't have any interest in the new iPhone, you should definitely pay attention to the iPhone 5s' panorama feature. Click here to read our editorial: 'Why I can't stop taking iPhone Panoramas' What's coming up? We're focusing on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 review this week, and the Canon EOS 70D, paying particular attention to its innovative AF system. Work continues on our review of the Olympus E-P5 and my first impressions review of the Canon PowerShot G16 is nearly ready (we completed the studio work today). We're also continuing to work on our forthcoming full review of the Olympus OM-D E-M1, and there might - just might - even be a couple more new cameras announced soon as well. But if anyone asks, I didn't tell you that. Thanks for reading! Until next time... Barney GearShop update - a message from Laura Now shipping: Last month DPReview tested out the Pentax Q7, the smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera on the market, finding it a good alternative to pocket cameras with a fixed lens. We've got it in three colors, with multiple kit configurations to get you started with this tiny system. This week's best deals: At GearShop, we want to create bundles that include accessories you actually want when you're purchasing a new camera. We've just made a custom bundle for Sony's excellent NEX-7 mirrorless camera. On top of combinable lens discounts, we'll also throw in some of our favorite compatible products that should be on your shopping list. Keep an eye out for rebates throughout the site, as we continue to build custom promotions around products we think you'll love. Until next week - Laura and the GearShop Team
News updates DxOMark tests Canon EOS 70D Dual Pixel AF against the Sony SLT-A77 Published on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 11:34:22 AM GMT DxOMark has tested the Canon EOS 70D's live view autofocus system in comparison to the Sony SLT-A77, looking at focus speeds and accuracy in both movie and stills modes. The two cameras offer an intriguing contrast in technologies; the 70D uses Canon's latest 'Dual Pixel AF' on-sensor phase detection, while the A77 employs a separate phase detection AF sensor which receives light via a semi-transparent mirror. Click through to see how the two cameras fare in DxOMark's head-to-head testing.     Read full story → Studio Test Scene launched - with 23 cameras (and counting) Published on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 2:29:00 PM GMT After many, many months of design and testing we are happy to announce the official unveiling of our studio test scene. The new scene was designed to address certain drawbacks with the previous test scene, as well as providing the opportunity to show more real-world relevant information about how cameras behave. We've increased the number of cameras supported to 23 and we'll be continuing to add models (old and new) in the coming weeks. Read full story → Apple's new iOS 7 from a photographer's perspective Published on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 8:49:59 PM GMT While early reviews of the iPhone 5c and 5s may have mobile tech fans talking hardware today, the bigger news in our opinion is actually Apple's free iOS 7 software update. iOS 7 offers plenty of features aimed specifically at mobile photography enthusiasts, and we're taking a look at the updated Camera and Photos app today on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Nikonos reborn? Our first impressions review of the submersible Nikon AW1 Published on Thursday, September 19, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT The Nikon 1 System has been around for a couple of years now, but the emergence of the AW1 signals a radical departure from what has been the norm. Functionally very similar to the 14MP J3 which Nikon announced earlier this year, the AW1 is waterproof to 15m (49ft), shockproof from 2m (6.6 ft), and freezeproof. It's being announced alongside two equally rugged lenses, and a range of colorful silicone skins for underwater and wet weather use. We had the opportunity to use the new camera recently, and we've put together a first impressions review covering its design, operation and key features. Click through for a link.  Read full story → Nikon 1 AW1 is world's first rugged, waterproof digital mirrorless Published on Thursday, September 19, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT Nikon has announced the 1 AW1, the world's first rugged, waterproof mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. It has also made AW versions of its 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and 10mm f/2.8 lenses that are both shock and waterproof. The Nikon 1 AW1 features similar underlying specifications to the J3, featuring a 14MP sensor capable of shooting at up to 15 fps with continuous AF (60 fps with focus fixed), but is waterproof to a depth of 15m (49ft) and shockproof from a height of 2m (6.6 ft). It will cost around $800/£750/€799 with 11-27.5mm lens and $1,000/£950/€1019 with the 10mm f/2.8 added to make a two-lens kit. Read full story → Nikon creates Nikkor 1 AW 10mm f/2.8 and 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lenses Published on Thursday, September 19, 2013 4:00:00 AM GMT As part of its 'AW' launches, Nikon has announced the Nikkor 1 AW 10mm f/2.8 and 1 AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lenses. Both lenses are existing designs built into waterproof, shockproof housings and are only compatible with the Nikon 1 AW1 body. The 1 AW 10mm f/2.8 offers a 27mm equivalent field-of-view and will be sold separately for around $200/£300/€319. The Nikkor 1 AW 11-27.5mm zoom offers a rather limited 30-74mm equivalent range and will only be available as part of a kit with the camera - meaning there are no image-stabilized AW lenses yet. Read full story → iPhone 5s teardown: iFixit digs into Apple's newest phone Published on Friday, September 20, 2013 7:27:44 AM GMT While iPhone fanatics worldwide are lining up for Apple's new iPhone 5s, the folks at iFixit are already taking the smartphone apart. The team has already torn into the latest flagship iPhone to take a closer look at a revamped iSight camera, that new A7 chip and more. Dig in with us at connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Sigma updates firmware for 35mm F1.4 and 17-70mm F2.8-4 lenses Published on Friday, September 20, 2013 9:48:26 AM GMT Sigma has announced firmware updates for two of its most recent lenses. Version 1.02 for the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012 (Canon mount) and version 1.01 for the 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM C013 (Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts) bring improvements to autofocus operation and, for the latter, optical stabilisation. The lenses must be updated using Sigma's USB Dock, and owners should download the latest Version 1.1 of Sigma Optimization Pro software first. Click through for more details and the download link.  Read full story → Behind the Shot: Lost in Space Published on Friday, September 20, 2013 11:00:10 AM GMT In this article, nature photographer Erez Marom takes us through the complicated process he used to achieve his image 'Lost in Space'. As well as equipment choice and location, Erez also explains in detail exactly how he went about adjusting and manipulating multiple images in software to create the final result. Click through for the full article.  Read full story → Your smartphone camera: How many megapixels do you need? Published on Friday, September 20, 2013 1:30:00 PM GMT Megapixels. How did such a simple concept become so wrapped up in hyperbole, controversy and confusion? The current generation of premium smartphones includes a 4MP model from HTC, 8MP from both Apple and Google, 13MP from Samsung and LG, 20.7MP Sony and 41MP from Nokia. Surely they can’t all be right? We examine how many megapixels you really need on your phone, over on connect.dpreview.com. Read full story → Where the sharpness comes from: A tour of Sigma's factory Published on Friday, September 20, 2013 7:04:47 PM GMT Some people are happy to shoot with lenses and think only of the results, but it can also be fascinating to think about how such complex, precision pieces of engineering are made. Some insight is provided by Dave Etchells over at Imaging Resource, who has just posted a story about his visit to Sigma's factory in Aizu, Japan. However, no matter how hard you try, you can't make every lens perfect - as Lensrentals Roger Cicala explains in his recent blog post. Click through for more. Read full story → iPhone 5s compared in our new studio test scene Published on Saturday, September 21, 2013 1:01:02 AM GMT We lined up for the new Apple iPhone 5s this morning, and Dpreview's Studio Manager Kelcey Smith wasted no time in getting it into our studio, to take a critical look at how its new camera performs. We're taking the smartphone out for the weekend to gather shots for a gallery planned for this Monday, but in the meantime, you can take a look at how the iPhone 5s compares to the competition in our new studio widget. Click through to check it out. Read full story → Decaying dresses make photographer's landscapes personal Published on Sunday, September 22, 2013 6:21:00 PM GMT Jean Albus mixes dresses into her Montana landscapes by letting them decay, sometimes for years, before photographing them. She hopes their weathered forms invoke emotions about aging, memory, transformation and more. Her final images sometimes feature a dress as she's found it, sunken into the elements. She also often superimposes the worn dress over another image of the landscape, floating the decaying dress within "Big Sky Country." A new video explains her process. Click through to see more. Read full story → Kenko Tokina enters cine lens market with 16-28mm T3.0 wide zoom Published on Monday, September 23, 2013 10:13:44 AM GMT The ever-increasing video capability of digital SLRs has seen manufacturers such as Canon, Samyang and Zeiss make video-optimised versions of their conventional lenses, and now Kenko Tokina is getting in on the act. The Tokina 16-28mm T3.0 is a manual focus version of the AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX wideangle zoom, with a redesigned barrel that features the usual refinements for video work, including geared focus, zoom and aperture rings, and scales designed to be read from the side of the camera. It'll be made in Canon EF and Arri PL mounts, with a suggested retail price of ¥580,000 - almost 5 times that of the lens it's based on. Read full story → iPhone 5S real-world Samples Gallery Published on Monday, September 23, 2013 6:38:08 PM GMT Apple's new iPhone 5S features a number of refinements that make it attractive to photographers, including a new, larger 8MP sensor, faster lens, improved panorama mode with 'dynamic auto exposure', built-in filter effects and a unique two-color flash for better low-light shots. DPReview editor Barnaby Britton spent the weekend shooting with the iPhone 5S, and you can see a large gallery of samples over at connect.dpreview.com.  Read full story → More of a good thing: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II review posted Published on Monday, September 23, 2013 10:51:46 PM GMT We've just posted our full review of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II. Following on the success of the RX100 is no easy feat, but just the same the RX100 II does so with a new BSI CMOS sensor. Also new to this model is an accessory port/hotshoe, Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC, and a tiltable display. Did Sony make a good camera even better? Click through to read our full analysis. Read full story → NYT offers a look at 'hometown' across the U.S. through the eyes of teens Published on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 11:00:00 AM GMT The New York Times' Lens Blog asked teenagers across the U.S. to submit photos of their hometowns for a project simply called 'My Hometown.' Thousands of teens responded to the call, with submissions coming from 45 states. The resulting collection is a yearbook of sorts, documenting the friends, family and places closest to a small sampling of the country's young people. Lens Blog has published a selection of 145 Editor's Choice photos, and the whole collection is available online - searchable by student or state. Take a look at a few standouts. Read full story → Editorial: Why I can't stop taking iPhone Panoramas Published on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 5:00:19 PM GMT DPReview editor Barnaby Britton spent his weekend taking pictures on the new Apple iPhone 5s, which among other refinements features a new camera, larger sensor, built-in filter effects and a unique two-color flash. It also offers an improved panorama mode with adaptive 'live' metering across the frame. In this short article he explains why even if you don't have any interest in the new iPhone, you should definitely pay attention to the iPhone 5s' panorama feature. Read full story → Photoshop Elements 12 adds useful editing tools, without the subscription Published on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 7:31:23 PM GMT Adobe has released version 12 of its Photoshop Elements software for Mac and Windows. One of the highlights of the latest version of this consumer-friendly photo editor is 'Mobile Access', which uses Adobe's Revel cloud service to let users view and retouch photos on their mobile devices, keeping everything in sync. Other new features include 'Content-Aware Move', guided editors, and 64-bit support for Macs. Best of all, there's no monthly subscription fee. Read on to learn more about Elements 12, and if it may be a good substitute for its big brother. Read full story →
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