Sensor maker Aptina has announced it has signed a patent cross-license agreement with Sony, that provides each company with access to the other’s patent portfolio. This agreement gives two prominent sensor makers access to some of each other's technologies for future development of cameras and other imaging products.
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January 2013
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March 2013
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February 2013 news and reviews
February 28
Accessory maker Satechi has announced the BT Smart Trigger, an iOS-controlled Bluetooth 4.0 shutter release for Canon DSLRs. It features multiple shooting modes including timelapse and long exposures, via the free Smart Trigger app. The trigger has a claimed battery life of up to 10 years and range of 50 feet. It is currently available for an introductory price of $44.99. An Android-compatible version will be available from March 2013.
See which tablets scored best on iFixit.com's repairability scale.
Filters range from vintage to futuristic and can be applied during video upload.
Samsung is expected to release the Galaxy S4 in two weeks.
Photographer's feed is full of images of his girlfriend leading him around the world.
Updated: We've got our hands on the latest smartphone and tablet tech in Barcelona, Spain.
YotaPhone combines a conventional 4.3-inch LCD screen with an E-ink display to create a less battery-hungry smartphone.
Sony's new Xperia Z tablet looks like a desirable iPad alternative for Android users.
February 27
Toshiba Semiconductors has been demonstrating a sensor module for mobile phones that allows Lytro-style refocusable images. The company promises 2MP images from an 8MP sensor and is already working on a version with higher-resolution output. However, there's reason to believe such cameras would be even more prone to the drawbacks we identified in Lytro's camera. Click through to find out more.
PHHHOTO animates the photo booth.
We get a closer look at what HTC is calling 'ultrapixel' technology at MWC.
Tech promises better dynamic range and low-light capture for mobile devices.
US technology company Rambus has unveiled 'Binary Pixel' sensor technology, promising greatly expanded dynamic range for the small sensors used in devices such as smartphones. Current image sensors are unable to record light above a specific saturation point, which results in clipped highlights. Binary Pixel technology gets around this by recording when a pixel has received a certain amount of light, then resetting it and in effect restarting the exposure. The result is significantly expanded dynamic range from a single exposure.
Adobe's advanced image editor Photoshop Touch is now available for smartphones.
Social photo sharing giant says 100 million use app monthly.
A satellite with a Google Nexus One smartphone was successfully launched into space.
New software betters image stabilization and HDR processing, can create a dramatic focal range.
February 26
From MWC: a closer look at the Asus Padfone Infinity phone/tablet 'transformer.'
Touch-free interface responds to gestures alone.
Firefox OS will debut on Alcatel One Touch Fire smartphone.
DxO Labs expands its electronic image stabilization and color correction to smartphones using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors.
We went to ZTE's launch of the Grand Memo at MWC and had a closer look at world's first Snapdragon 800 smartphone.
The latest release candidates of Adobe Camera Raw (7.4) and Lightroom (4.4) include improved demosaicing logic for Fujifilm's X-Trans sensor cameras, including the flagship X-Pro1. We found previous ACR versions struggled with fine detail and color accuracy, so were anxious to re-process our X-Pro1 files in ACR 7.4 RC. Is this the update X-Pro1 owners have been waiting for? Have a look at our results.
Adobe has announced 'release candidate' versions of Lightroom 4.4 and Adobe Camera Raw 7.4. As usual, the latest near-complete versions add support for recent cameras. What makes this release especially significant, however, is improved support for Fujifilm's X-Trans sensor models, including the X-Pro1 and X-E1. The Lightroom update also corrects a series of bugs present in the current version of the software. As usual, release candidates are considered well tested but not final.
February 25
A controversy over photojournalistic ethics and integrity has sprung up over the accusation that Magnum photographer Paolo Pellegrin misrepresented both the subject and context of an award-winning image. An image purporting to show a gun-wielding former Marine corps sniper in a rough neighborhood is actually of a former photojournalism student in a safe neighborhood. Was this simply poor record-keeping or a deliberate fabrication? Read on for more details.
The MWC announcement reveals different Optimus series devices.
Pentax Ricoh has moved its K-01 K-mount mirrorless camera to the 'discontinued' section of its website after just 12 months on the market. The unconventional-looking K-01 used a full-depth Pentax K lens mount but relied on contrast-detection AF, rather than the phase-detection systems for which all autofocus K-mount lenses have been primarily designed. Designed by Marc Newson, the K-01 was one of the most unusual-looking cameras we've ever tested. Click through for more details.
New 10.1-inch tablet offers up to 64 GB of storage and a 1920x1200p display.
We have a closer look at LG's new 5.5-inch 'phablet,' the Optimus G Pro.
Phase One has announced Capture One Express 7, the latest version of its enthusiast Raw image processing tool. A stripped-down version of Capture One Pro, Capture One Express 7 gains features including HDR processing, lens correction and digital asset management tools. Express doesn't support tethered shooting, but images can be viewed remotely and wirelessly using either the Capture Pilot iOS app or a web browser on other devices. Capture One Express 7 will cost $99/€69 with discounted upgrades. Click through for the press release and more details.
The Lumia 720 and Lumia 520 offer Windows Phone 8 OS at affordable price.
We have a closer look at Huawei's new high-end smartphone, the Ascend P2.
Just Posted: Sony NEX-3N hands-on preview with real world samples. We've had a chance to use and shoot with a NEX-3N and, now that Sony US has announced the camera, we can publish our look at the latest model. The 3N is the fourth entry-level NEX camera and the smallest so far. Despite this, it includes most of the features of its predecessors. We look at what has been added and what it lacks, compared to last year's NEX-F3.
Sony US has announced the Alpha SLT-A58 and NEX 3N cameras, five days after they were announced in Europe. The A58 replaces both the A37 and A57, helping to simplify the company's lineup. Meanwhile, the NEX-3N gains a compact-camera-style zoom lever and a smaller body than its predecessor, the F3. Both gain a lock-on focus mode and Auto Object Framing mode. The SLT-A58 will cost around $600 as a kit with the 18-55mm zoom, while the NEX-3N comes with a 16-50mm power zoom lens for around $500.
Sony US has announced the Zeiss-branded Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM and 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II A-mount lenses, alongside a redesigned DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II entry-level kit zoom. Both have already been announced in Europe. The lenses will ship from May 2013 at retail prices of around $1500, $2200 and $220 respectively.
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camera newsFeb 25, 2013 at 13:00
Sony has announced the Cyber-shot DSC-WX300, DSC-HX300 and DSC-TX30 compact cameras in the US market. The HX300 is a 20MP 50x superzoom with a 24-1200mm equiv. lens. Meanwhile the WX300 is an 18MP Wi-Fi compact superzoom with a 25-500mm equiv. lens. The tough, waterproof, card-style TX30 offers a 26-130mm equiv zoom. The WX300 will cost around $330, while the HX300 and TX30 will have retail prices of $500 and $350 respectively.
February 24
Samsung launches 8-inch Note 8.0 tablet as a direct competitor to Apple's iPad Mini. Update: now with hands-on images.
February 23
Chris Mann's tips on planning, pricing and shooting a destination wedding (part 2 of 2). In this part we'll look at how photographing a wedding in a tropical destination differs from more temperate locations.
Chris Mann's tips on planning, pricing and shooting a destination wedding (part 1 of 2).
In part one we'll look at the practical, legal and financial side of shooting overseas.
February 22
Kickstarter project promises more accurate results with a diffusion dome for your phone.
Move is the latest instance of Microsoft pursuing makers of Android devices.
Nikon has released a service advisory for its D600 digital SLR, addressing dust and dirt accumulation on the camera's sensor. Based on user complaints, Nikon has belatedly acknowledged that dust removal 'may be difficult using normal measures' and advises customers to contact their nearest Nikon service center if they experience this problem. Service centers will examine and service such cameras 'as needed.' Click through for more details, and links to the service advisory.
Pixel users will have first go at app that offers instant upload of full-res images to G+ and intelligent selection of your best shot.
Nikon has signed a licensing deal with Microsoft to cover the use of patented technologies in its Android-based cameras. The deal is the latest instance of Microsoft pursuing makers of Android devices, claiming patent infringement. Despite free access being one of the founding ideas of Google's Android operating system, Microsoft has been increasingly successful in convincing manufacturers of Android devices that they need to strike licensing deals for some of its technologies.
We've updated our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 review with an additional page of lens data, brought to you in collaboration with DxOMark. The RX1's headline feature may well be its 24MP full frame image sensor, but the fixed Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens is an equally crucial part of its imaging chain. We've added a full set of technical lens measurements to our review to illustrate how it performs, presented in our unique data widget. You can also see how it measures up against the best 35mm lenses available for SLRs.
Sigma USA has announced the price and availability of its DP3 Merrill large sensor, fixed lens compact. The camera will be available from March 2013 at an estimated street price of $999. It is nearly identical to the earlier DP Merrill models featuring the familiar 15x3MP APS-C Foveon X3 sensor, but with a 50mm (75mm equiv.) F2.8 lens. In the UK, meanwhile, the DP3 Merrill will be priced at £799.99 (the same as the DP1 and DP2 Merrill models).
February 21
Flickr's latest update for its iOS app includes volume snap integration, better lightbox resolution.
A 320-gigapixel image taken from top of London's BT Tower has set the world record of the largest panoramic photo. It breaks the previous record set by a 281-gigapixel electron micrograph of a zebrafish embryo taken in 2012. The London image was shot by panorama specialists 360 Cities and is made up of 48,640 individual frames. To get an idea of just how large this photograph is, BT says if it was printed at 'normal resolution' the photo would measure measure 98 x 24 metres.Click through for pictures and more information on the hardware used to make the image.
Nikon has just posted a small 6-image sample gallery from the new D7100. The D7100 is a 24MP, APS-C DSLR that does not feature an optical low-pass filter on its sensor. Theoretically, this should increase detail resolution. As well as an unconventional sensor, the D7100 offers a 51-point AF system and a 1.3X crop mode in stills and video capture. The images that Nikon has posted were taken in .NEF Raw mode with the D7100 fitted with the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR.
Canon’s Mixed Reality headset will be available on March 1st.
Photographer Kevin Kuster shares his experience shooting 40 wedding portraits in one day.
Spectacular footage from photographer Chris Bray shows a lion trying to eat a GoPro camera.
Xenon flashes are brighter than LED but not common on super thin mobile devices.
Google Drive's Android app now allows for view streaming, meanwhile photo navigation will become easier on the browser.
Photographer Luke Sharratt has paired with Snapheal to show the desktop app in action.
More top companies are using Instagram to reach customers.
Sigma has released version 5.5 of its Photo Pro raw processing software, which adds a monochrome processing mode for cameras with the 15x3MP Foveon sensor - i.e. the SD1, SD1 Merrill, DP1 Merrill, DP2 Merrill and DP3 Merrill. It's also now compatible with Windows 8. The software is available now from Sigma's website - click through for more details and download links.
Just Posted: We've had a chance to get our hands on the Nikon D7100 - the company's latest mid-range DSLR. The D7100 looks a lot like the popular D7000 but has been completely overhauled internally. Central to its feature set is a 24MP CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, promising high resolution captures. It also gains a 51-point autofocus system and 1.3x crop mode for both stills and video capture, amongst other upgrades. Click here to find out what we thought.
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camera newsFeb 21, 2013 at 04:01
Nikon has announced the D7100 - a 24MP mid-range, enthusiast-focused APS-C DSLR. The D7100 promises high resolution by making do without an optical low-pass filter in front of its 24MP CMOS sensor. It gains a more sophisticated 51-point autofocus system and a 7fps 1.3x cropped shooting mode that provides a 2x crop compared to a 35mm system. The D7100 has a recommended price of $1,599/£1,299/€1,399 with 18-105mm F3.5-5.6 VR lens.
Alongside the D7100, Nikon announced the WR-1 Transceiver, a unique radio-frequency wireless remote control. Able to remotely control multiple cameras capturing stills and videos, and even time-lapse sequences, the Nikon WR-1 Transceiver mounts on the camera's hot shoe, but communicates via a cable attached to the master camera. Expected to retail for £649.99 in the UK, the WR-1 will ship in March 2013 (US pricing has yet to be announced).
Nikon Europe has announced the Coolpix S3500. Available in multiple colors, the entry-level compact features a 20MP CCD sensor, 2.7" LCD, 720p HD recording and is compatible with Eye-Fi wireless memory cards. It will be available from the end of this month at a retail price of £129.99. Click through to read the press release.
February 20
Video gives a user perspective of Google's wearable interactive camera.
The Ziphius camera is controlled by and Apple or Android mobile device.
The event, hosted in Seoul, South Korea, calls for short smartphone movies from around the world.
Sony has announced the NEX-3N, its entry-level NEX camera, replacing the NEX-F3. The 3N is, as before, aimed at users stepping up from compact cameras and gains a compact-style zoom lever around its shutter button. It features a smaller body than the F3, and Sony says it is the smallest, lightest mirrorless camera to feature an APS-C sensor, despite featuring a built-in flash. The camera will be bundled with the e-mount 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 power zoom lens, to make the most of the camera's zoom control.
Sony has announced the Alpha SLT-A58, a mid-range SLT camera with a newly-developed 20MP sensor. The A58 will replace both the A37 and A57 models, helping to simplify the company's lineup. The A58 builds on the A57's feature set and gains an SVGA (800x600 pixel) OLED viewfinder, rather than its predecessors' LCDs. It gains a new lock-on focus mode and Auto Object Framing mode - an extension of the auto portrait mode in the A57. It will be sold with a redesigned DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II kit lens that offers quieter autofocus. The camera is not being launched in the USA at this point.
Sony has revealed the Zeiss-branded Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM and 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II A-mount lenses, alongside a redesigned DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II entry-level kit zoom. The redesigned 70-400mm telephoto zoom offers faster autofocus than the existing version and comes in a white body that matches the recent 70-200mm and 500mm G lenses. Meanwhile, the 50mm F1.4 features a dust and moisture resistant design and quiet autofocus.
Sony has announced the Cyber-shot DSC-WX300, DSC-HX300 and DSC-TX30 compact cameras. The HX300 is a 50x superzoom with a 24-1200mm equivalent lens in front of a 20MP CMOS sensor. Meanwhile the WX300 is a Wi-Fi compact superzoom that Sony says is the slimmest 20x camera. It has an 18MP CMOS chip behind its 25-500mm equiv. lens. Finally, the tough, waterproof card-style TX30 shares the same sensor and offers a 26-130mm equiv zoom. The three models are not currently being announced in the USA.
Just posted: Our review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The RX1 is one of the most ambitious cameras Sony has ever built: a full-frame compact with a fixed 35mm F2 lens. Those specifications make the RX1 a high-end, niche camera, as its $2,800/€3,100/£2,600 price tag confirms. So how does it perform? We've run the RX1 through our standard tests and looked into its performance and what this unique camera offers. Click here to see what we found.
February 19
The 3Doodler is now available for preorder through Kickstarter.
UK camera bag manufacturer Billingham is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and its new 2013 catalogue highlights the development of its products released from 1973 to the present. Billingham was founded in 1973 in the West Midlands, in England. As well as an interesting overview of the company's history, Billingham's 2013 brochure also includes information about and specifications of all current models of bags and optional accessories along with details about the materials and construction methods used in the creation of its premium products. Click through for a link to the catalogue.
Video shows founder Mark Shuttleworth walking through the new tablet interface.
Samsung has launched a Wi-Fi only version of its Galaxy Camera.
Samsung has announced a Wi-Fi-only version of its Galaxy Camera. It shares the same feature-set as the 3G and 4G versions announced last August, including a 21x, 23-481mmm equivalent zoom lens on the front with a 4.8" touchscreen on the back. It runs Android 4.1 (known as Jelly Bean), the latest version of the operating system. There is currently no information on price or availability.
The South Korean company is poised to announce new products at next week’s event.
A new sensor approach, fast F2.0 lens and optical image stabilization make the HTC One 2013's most interesting camera phone so far.
Olympus USA has announced the launch of the Stylus XZ-10 enthusiast compact, just three weeks after it was introduced to the rest of the world. A cheaper companion to the XZ-2, it's built around a 26-130mm equivalent F1.8-2.7 lens, coupled with a 12MP 1/2.3" type backlit CMOS sensor that offers ISOs up to 6400 and sensor-shift image stabilization. It can record 1080p Full HD movies with stereo sound, has a fixed 3" 920k dot touch-sensitive LCD, and offers a full set of manual controls including a customizable round-lens control ring. It'll be available from March 2013 at an estimated street price of $399.99.
February 18
Casio Europe has announced the Exilim EX-N5 and EX-N50 16MP entry-level compact cameras. Both come with a similar feature set of the EX-ZS30 announced today, including 26-156mm equiv. optical zoom lenses, 2.7" LCDs and a set of eight Art Shot filters. The cameras differ only in terms of finish - the EX-N50 features a textured pinstripe pattern on its front, while the EX-N5 comes with two-tone silver ring around the lens. There is currently no information on price and availability.
We've just added ten pages of content to our hands-on preview of the 24MP Nikon D5200, representing our progress so far towards the completion of a full review. As well as a complete breakdown of the options available in the camera's menu system we've added our full complement of studio tests, including resolution, noise and dynamic range, and a small gallery of 'real world' samples. Click through for a link to the 16-page preview.
Casio Europe has launched the Exilim EX-ZS30 featuring a 20.1 MP CCD sensor. It comes with a a 6x 26-156mm equiv. optical zoom lens and a 2.7 inch LCD. The camera includes beginner-friendly features include a Premium Auto mode and a set of eight Art shot filters. The Z320 will be available silver, black, purple, white, and pink at a price to be confirmed. Click through for the press release.
Dozens of two-dimentional aerial photo calibration targets are scattered all across the United States, according to a report by the Center for Land Use Interpretation. Constructed mostly during the 1950s and 1960s, these large outdoor charts were used as 'a platform to test, calibrate, and focus aerial cameras traveling at different speeds and altitudes.' The report points out that although some of these 'charts' are still used for some optical camera testing and calibration, they are primarily relics of the past. Click through for more information, and images.
The $163.56 device comes in pink and is preloaded with apps for yoga, cooking and shopping.
Smartphone is ideal tool for documentary photography while traveling internationally.
The 13-megapixel smartphone has a 5.5-inch display screen.
February 15
The source code of the original version of Adobe Photoshop has been made available by The Computer History Museum, based in California. Photoshop started off in the 1980s as a program called 'Display' written by Thomas Knoll, before being renamed 'Photoshop' in 1990 - the year that the first version of the software shipped to customers. The download, which is available for non-commercial use with the permission of Adobe, consists of around 128,000 lines of code. Click through for more details (and some nostalgia-inducing screenshots of Photoshop 1).
Swedish photographer Paul Hansen has won the World Press Photo 2013 award for his picture of a Palestinian family carrying two children who were killed in an Israeli missile strike to their funeral. The contest also awarded prizes in eight other categories ranging from Sports to Portraits. Some of these images may be familiar from news coverage throughout the year, but they make a compelling and inspiring reminder of the exceptional level of photojournalism across the world. Click through to check out some of the winning photographs.
Helen Breznik named runner-up for MPA Photographer/Artist of the Year.
Another social networking option lets you share multiple photos and video.
A new study from Actix reveals BlackBerry users are conservative data consumers -- we look at why.
US underwater housing maker Nauticam has announced the NA-NEX6 for Sony's NEX-6 mirrorless camera. Providing protection up to 100 meters depth, its body is made from aluminum with a scratch-resistant acrylic rear cover. It features a single-lock housing and a patented lens attachment mechanism that allows you to change lenses without removing the camera from the housing. The NA-NEX6 is available at a retail price of $1650.
February 14
30-year veteran photographer started shooting with his Samsung Galaxy S3 less than a year ago.
Dell has announced its 27" U2713H and 24" U2413 LED monitors designed for color critical applications like photo editing. These latest flagship models promise 99% coverage of the AdobeRGB color space, feature a 12-bit internal processor and 14-bit LUT (lookup table) for software calibration. The U2713H and U2413 are currently available at prices starting at US $999/£802/€829 and US $599/£490/€519 respectively.
Panasonic UK has announced a 'Try Before You Buy' service for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 Micro Four Thirds camera allowing customers to borrow it as a kit along with the 12-35mm for 48 hours. This offer is available across a number of UK retailers with no obligation to purchase. The company says the scheme lets customers 'road test' the camera before committing to such a big purchase. Click through for the list of 28 participating retailers.
The latest from Apple’s patent mill hopes to make iPhone images clearer.
The Taiwanese manufacturer’s latest offering will be announced on Tuesday.
Pentax Ricoh has released the first firmware update for its Q10 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Firmware v1.01 improves operational stability and contrast AF performance. The update is available for immediate download from the company's website. Click through for the download link.
February 13
I am a happy owner of a Fujifilm X-E1. This camera has an innovation CMOS matrix X-Trans with a non-standart color filter array pattern. Now I am going to test support of several raw converters for the X-Trans raw to choose my new one.
A new BBC documentary uses tiny disguised cameras to take an intimate look at the lives of penguins. Wildlife producer John Downer and his team shot 'Penguins: Spy in the Huddle' with fifty 'spy cameras' disguised as rocks, eggs and even penguins themselves. The team shot footage of Emperor penguins in Antarctica, Rockhopper penguins on the Falkland Islands and Humboldt penguins in the Atacama Desert near the Peru-Chile border. Click through for photos, video and more information about the cameras.
iFixit looks inside the Pro version of Microsoft's first tablet.
One will be named MPA Photographer/Artist of the Year this Friday.
DxO Labs has released version 8.1.3 of its DxO Optics Pro software. The Elite edition extends support to the Leica M-E, M9, and M9-P rangefinders. Both the Elite and Standard versions gain Nikon D5200, Panasonic DMC-FZ200, and Canon SX50 HS support. The update also adds 260 lens and cameras combinations for Canon, Leica, Panasonic, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, Tokina, and Zeiss users. These modules join the existing list of over 10,000 combinations.
A poll from OnDevice reveals the iPhone 5 comes up short in U.S. users' eyes.
The StyleShoots rig lights, captures and crops photos for product catalogs.
Feed your head with this trippy camera app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Olympus is denying reports that it is ceasing its production of DSLR cameras. In its official statement Olympus says there is no truth to these reports and the company will continue to offer DSLR cameras alongside its popular mirrorless camera range. The reports came as Olympus promised 'extensive business restructuring' in its imaging division, above and beyond the downsizing already taking place as part of its 'medium term vision.'
Just Posted: Our in-depth review of the Canon EOS 6D. Announced last autumn, the 20MP EOS 6D is Canon's newest full-frame camera, offering a cut-down feature set compared to its big brother the 5D Mark III, but at a more affordable price. The 6D has some unique tricks up its sleeve though, including built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, as well as a super-sensitive central AF point capable of focusing in extremely low light. Is the 6D the budget-friendly full-frame DSLR that Canon enthusiasts have been waiting for? Click through to read our full 25-page review.
February 12
Visual Supply Company has released the VSCO Film 03 camera profiles and film emulation preset pack for Adobe Lightroom 4 and Camera Raw 7. The software comes with customized camera profiles for Fujifilm, Canon and Nikon image files and allows native non-destructive editing of desired film effects within Lightroom and ACR. The latest version includes a toolkit to achieve an 'authentic instant film' look. Version 03 is currently available for immediate download at a retail price of $119 (~ £75/ €90) from the company's website.
Epson has announced the VS320 and VS220 budget projectors offering SVGA and XGA resolutions respectively. Both the lightweight models deliver 2700 lumens of color and white brightness and include features such as USB Plug ‘n Play, 3 inch LCDs and HDMI connectivity. The projectors are available at retail prices of $429 and $359 respectively.
Antenna patent hints at a sleeker new design.
VicamPlus seeks to join ranks of Optrix's and G-Form's GoPro-like smartphone accessories.
Vertu’s pricey smartphone has a titanium body and sapphire crystal screen, but a standard 8MP camera and no 4G connectivity.
Learn photography basics via your phone by enrolling in Phoneography 101.
February 11
A German artist is planning on creating a mobile version of IMAGO1:1 - the only camera in the world capable of true 1:1 reproduction for full-length self-portraits. Originally built in 1970, the camera works like a photo booth, projecting a true-to-life 1:1 portrait onto 60cm x 200cm sheets of black-and-white direct positive paper. Artist Susanna Kraus, daughter of original IMAGO1:1 co-inventor Werner Kraus is seeking £95,000 (~$150,000, €112,000) to fund the development of a mobile version of this famous camera to tour around the world. Click through for more information on the camera and the Kickstarter-funding link.
Canon has announced an upcoming service update to its EOS-1D C professional DSLR that will add 25p 4K video recording. The camera currently captures 4096 x 2160 resolution videos at up to 24p without downscaling, from an APS-H crop of its 18MP full-frame sensor. In a service advisory, the company promises more information about this update in April 2013 for US EOS-1D C owners. There is currently no information on the European website.
Flickr faux pas makes us wonder: Are images on the web ever really private?
Instagram and other social photo sharing services showcase Chinese New Year around the world.
Samsung has started shipping its Wi-Fi enabled DV150F dual-LCD and WB250F compact cameras at retail prices of $149.99 and $249.99 respectively. Announced at the CES 2013 tradeshow, the WB250F is an 18x, 24-432mm equiv compact superzoom with a 3.0" touch screen and the company's latest Wi-Fi implementation - dubbed 'Smart 2.0.' The DV150F is 16MP CCD with a 25-125mm equiv zoom and includes a 2.7" LCD and a 1.5" front LCD. UK and European pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed.
February 8
Award-winning photographer Steve McCurry has published the photos taken with the last roll of Kodakchrome to come off the production line on his Wordpress blog. McCurry has shot more than 800,000 photos including his iconic 'Afghan Girl' portrait, with the film. In an article posted by NPR in 2009 McCurry equated 'losing the medium to losing a dear friend.' Click through for the link the gallery and a video exploring the story behind the gallery.
In an interview with a German publication Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak says Apple is currently falling behind the competition in the smartphone market.
We've added the Nikon D5200 to our database of studio comparison images. We're in the process of running a production D5200 through our studio tests, so wanted to present the results of our standard test scene. These shots are also available from other reviews and the standalone tool (click 'Review Comparison Tool' link in the site's Reviews menu). We'll be adding a complete set of studio and real-world sample images in the coming days but, in the meantime, click through to see how the D5200 stacks against the competition.
Using two apps, Dave Temple, @kewiki, manipulates a single image to achieve an HDR look.
Mobile photographer Misho Baranovic looks at how and why we tag our Instagram images.
February 7
Apple has added Raw support to its OS-X operating system for nine additional cameras, including Nikon's D5200, Pentax K-5 II/IIs and Sony's DSC-RX1. Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update v4.04 also brings Leica X2, D-Lux 6 and V-Lux 4 support to Aperture and iPhoto. The update requires Aperture v3.4 or later and iPhoto version 9.4 or later. Click through for the complete list of cameras and download link.
Kevin Kuster is traveling to a remote island to take and print portraits of newly wedded couples.
Just posted: Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm F1.8 sample gallery. We've been shooting with the Olympus 17mm F1.8 lens for a while now and have put together a sample gallery showing what it can do. We've also prepared some notes on the experience of shooting with the 34mm equivalent fast prime for Micro Four Thirds and included some shots that match ones we included in our Sony RX1 gallery. Beyond that we've tried to show a the lens at a series of apertures to show how the lens behaves.
Study finds that many mobile users want to print but don't know how.
Mobile artist Jennifer Bracewell makes blending joint images look easy.
Nikon has offered a behind-the-scenes look at its lens manufacturing process. The YouTube video follows the process from creating the glass through to final assembly and has been posted to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its Nikkor lenses. The company has also listed out few milestones of the brand's history, which started with the Aero-Nikkor aerial photography lenses in 1933. Click through to watch the video.
The Guardian cites 'sources close to the Finnish handset maker' confirm U.S. launch this summer.
February 6
Our extensive look at the Galaxy Camera, Samsung's first Android-powered digicam.
Ricoh exhibited a concept camera at CP+ that captures spherical panoramic images and sends them wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet. Apparently produced mainly to gauge market reaction, Ricoh released no technical info on the camera apart from the fact that it uses two opposed 180-degree lenses whose images it combines into one spherical panorama. Users can zoom in on the image elements and swipe to look around the sphere; they can also zoom out to a circular image. The company imagines printing images on spheres as a potential product concept, and is considering video capture as well as stills.
The World Photography Organisation has announced the shortlists for the professional, open and youth categories of the 2013 Sony World Photography awards. This year's competition saw the highest number of submissions to date with more than 122,000 entries from 170 countries. The shortlist offers an insight into an impressive gallery of images. Winners are scheduled to be announced in March and April. Click through for more information and a look at some of the photographs.
The makers of Raspberry Pi - the popular low-cost computer - have announced the development of a new camera module, expected to cost $25. Since the first version of Raspberry Pi was released early last year, more than half a million of the inexpensive boards have been sold to eager enthusiasts all over the world, and put to use doing everything from running games to powering a voice-activated coffee machine (yes, really). Details on the forthcoming camera module are vague, but it is expected to offer at least 5MP resolution and the ability to capture HD video. Click through for more details.
From the makers of 645 Pro, PureShot offers plenty of custom options too.
Service still won't offer upload from your desktop, but you can like and comment on images.
February 5
Sony has announced a series of firmware updates for its NEX-7, NEX-6, NEX-5R, NEX-5N mirrorless APS-C cameras and two E-mount lenses. Version 1.02 for both NEX-7 and 5N adds automatic lens correction with the 16-50mm E mount lens, as well as a number of other improvements and bugs fixes. Firmware v1.01 for NEX-6 and 5R provides Fast Hybrid AF support with multiple E-mount lenses. Owners of NEX-6 and 5R cameras who use the 50mm f/1.8 or 30mm f/3.5 E mount lenses must first update the latest lens firmware that adds the Fast Hybrid AF capability. Click through for more details and a link to the updates.
CP+ 2013: The show was a bit short on high-end camera launches, but the Olympus Stylus XZ-10 - a small-sensor camera with a good degree of manual control - generated a lot of interest. We got a chance to get our hands on a pre-production unit and were talked-through its Photo Story feature, as well as having a good dig through the menus to see what it's capable of. Click here to read our first impressions.
The jailbreak for iOS 6.1 is now available. Is CameraTweak worth voiding your iPhone’s warranty?
A can't-miss interview with one of the world's most renowned mobile photographers from EyeEm.
Nikon has posted a firmware update for its 1 V1 enthusiast small sensor mirrorless camera. Firmware version 1.21 resolves a minor bug related to live view performance immediately after a lens is attached. The firmware is available immediately for download. Click through for more details and a link to the update.
Sony has announced firmware updates for its SLT-A37, A57, A65, A77 and A99 digital SLRs. Firmware version 1.01 for the SLT-A99 adds Dual-AF compatibility with key A-mount lenses. Updates for the rest of the SLTs including the A99 add automatic lens correction with several A-mount lenses. Click through for more details and a link to the updates.
February 4
We've reviewed the Nikon's Android-based Coolpix S800c on Dpreview.com.
We've just posted our review of the Nikon Coolpix S800c, in collaboration with Jeff Keller of The Digital Camera Resource Page. The S800c was the first compact camera from a major manufacturer to openly use the Android mobile operating system when it was released last year. On one side it's a 16MP BSI-CMOS compact camera with a 10x, 25-250mm lens built in, on the other it's a 3.5" OLED touchscreen device running Android 2.3. Click through for a link to the full review.
Rumors of new sensor technology from HTC have us even more excited about the M7.
CP+ 2013: Casio wants to make cameras that allow non-photographers to take better images, and that could mean large sensor compacts, says Jin Nakayama, Senior General Manager of the company's QV Digital Camera Division, but don't expect a mirrorless camera. The company, which makes some of Japan's best-selling compacts, has a development strategy Nakayama believes will distinguish it from smartphones while also staying a step ahead of its camera rivals, he says.
CP+ 2013: Panasonic is considering which cameras it needs to appeal to the different demands for Micro Four Thirds in different countries. We spoke to Michiharu Uematsu, Special Adviser, Imaging Business Group and Yoshiyuki Inoue, Senior Engineering Planner, Marketing Team, Imaging Business Group. They explain the challenges of making and marketing a high image quality compact and suggest the GH3 won't get focus peaking.
Panasonic has devised a method to increase the sensitivity of image sensors, by replacing the near-universal colour filter array with prism-like 'Micro Color Splitters' to generate colour information. The key advantage is that all of the incoming light is directed to the sensor, instead of half or more being absorbed by the colour filter dyes. This promises to deliver images with less noise in low light. The development is published in the journal Nature Photonics, and outlined in a press release on Panasonic's website.
Macworld/iWorld report: Developers showcase mobile photo solutions for DSLR users.
Macworld/iWorld report: Accessory turns iPad into full video rig.
DIY: Everyday items can project your mobile phone photos on the big screen.
February 3
Macworld/iWorld report: Printer is iOS and Android compatible and connects with 30-pin dock, USB port or wi-fi.
February 2
The long wait for the next generation of cameras for Four Thirds may soon be over, suggests Olympus' Toshi Terada, Manager, Product Planning SLR products. He also discusses the role the OM-D has played in increasing uptake of mirrorless cameras in the USA and the future of compact cameras now that smartphones have become many users' cameras of choice.
CP+ 2013: Panasonic has added a 42.5mm F1.2 portrait lens and 150mm F2.8 super-telephoto prime to its lens roadmap for Micro Four Thirds, for release in the near future. The lenses, shown in prototype form at Photokina 2012, last September, are shown as being ready for release just after the 14-42mm II ASPH. kit zoom launched this week.
February 1
App comes with 17+ age-restricted material warning and "Report this photo" link.
Just Posted: an extensive update to our Sony NEX-6 preview. The NEX-6 is an enthusiast level mirrorless camera that features the high-resolution OLED viewfinder we first saw on the NEX-7 and builds on the capabilities that appeared on the recent NEX-5R. Click through for a link to the expanded preview, including six new pages of test data. We'll be adding more pages as we work towards the publication of our full review.
Jollyfy lets you share longer videos than Vine, with themes.
iStockphoto offers ideas for improving your mobilography.
How do we ensure we're sharing mobile imagery in a meaningful way?
CP+ 2013: Nikon has several samples of its 18-35mm F3.5-4.5G ED consumer-level wide-angle full-frame zoom on show, while Sigma has re-designed and re-worked several of its most interesting lenses, which are being shown in prototype form at its stand. This includes a new version of its 30mm F1.4 for APS-C DSLRs. And, while none are available to shoot with yet, we got a chance to handle them, along with the portrait-friendly Sigma DP3 Merrill.
CP+ 2013: There will be a Canon EOS 70D, but the future of semi-pro DSLRs is probably full-frame, says Masaya Maeda, Managing Director and Chief Executive, Image Communication Products Operations at Canon. However, while he says new concepts are needed to save the compact camera, he doesn't see larger sensors as being the answer for the mass market.
The recently released Metabones Speed Booster is a unique lens adapter that promises near-full frame coverage on an APS-C camera and an extra stop of light gathering ability to boot. Intrigued not only by the actual product, but by the potential of the technology behind it, we spent a few days with the Speed Booster, a Sony NEX-6 and our favorite Canon EF lenses. Here's what we found.
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- RawTherapee3.5%
- Manufacturer-specific software (Nikon Capture NX-D, Canon DPP, etc.)9.0%
- Other8.9%
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