The Pentax 645Z is a highly sought-after camera, offering 50MP resolution from its medium-format CMOS sensor, and a range of features closer to those of a 35mm DSLR than a traditional digital MF camera. We've been working with the 645Z for a little while, running it though our studio tests to see what it's capable of. As part of this process we handed the camera off to David Wentworth, a local Seattle studio photographer, for his opinion. Our very own Sam Spencer - DPReview studio manager - provides another perspective. Click through to read more
December 9
Photographers in need of portable tripod stabilization have a new option called WaterWeights. These balloon-like devices are made from PVC and weigh 139g / 0.3lb when in storage, expanding to a weight of up to 1.3kg when filled with water. A WaterWeight can slide down the length of a tripod to rest over its feet or can hang from its handle to keep gear stable. Read more
December 8
The Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD is a general purpose 'carry everywhere' zoom for users of APS-C format DSLRs. Covering an equivalent focal length range of 24-450mm, this lens should be a perfect camera for travel and day-to-day use, allowing you to frame a huge variety of different subjects without changing lenses. We've been using one for a while and we've prepared a gallery of samples. Click through to take a look
Full-frame sensors have made their way into more and more cameras, and are no longer reserved for DSLRs only. Whether you are a pro, an enthusiast, or simply looking to upgrade to a body that offers the most firepower possible, we've got you covered in our high-end full frame camera roundup. Read more
December 7
Nature photographer Erez Marom shares the story of his image 'Dali's Dream', taken in the Namibian ghost town of Kolmanskop. As usual, in this article he will cover preparation for the shoot, a walkthrough of the gear used to get the picture, and a detailed description of the post-processing work required to achieve the final shot. Click through to read more
December 6
ONA is known for high-end camera bags and accessories that go big on style - and price. The Capri leather tote is no exception - it's an attractive bag with padded storage for photo gear that could easily double as a high-end purse. Can it replace a camera bag and a purse, and is it worth the price? Read our review
Organizers of a worldwide competition for scientific photography are calling for entries for the International Images for Science competition. Photographers are encouraged to submit visually exciting and revealing pictures of objects and concepts relating to all areas of science. The competition, which is run by the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), is free to enter, and this year will be accepting work from members and non-members alike for the first time. Read more
The feature-rich CamsFormer, currently looking for funding through Kickstarter, is a device that plugs into your camera or flash and is controlled wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet. It can trigger up to two cameras and allows you to remotely view and change a range of shooting parameters on your camera. Read more
December 5
The Luminous Endowment, a charitable fund headed by Michael Reichmann, has announced its first round of grant recipients. Reichmann is the founder of Luminous Landscape, a website dedicated to fine art photography. His focus has shifted recently to the creation of the endowment, which awards merit-based grants to photographers seeking to start or complete projects, books or exhibitions. Read more
Phase One has announced a new photo contest offering photographers a chance to win the use of a Phase One IQ250 medium format camera system for a month. The contest seeks submissions demonstrating the contest's theme "What the world's best __ is made of", and will run through the rest of the month. Learn more
December 4
Rumors are circulating about a possible successor to the Olympus OM-D E-M5. According to rumor site 43rumors.com, the camera is likely to be called the Olympus E-M5II or the Olympus E-M5 Mark II and is said to feature a 16MP sensor but with a sensor shift function allowing users to boost resolution up to an equivalent 40MP. Read more (albeit not all that much more)
DxO's latest update to its Optics Pro software, version 10.1, brings compatibility with several new camera models including the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, PowerShot G7 X and GoPro Hero4. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are also included, and this update also makes OpticsPro 10 compatible with star rating systems used by Lightroom and other programs using XMP data. Read more
A production-ready Sony Alpha 7 II just landed in our office and we wasted no time getting together some real-world samples. Sony's follow-up to the a7 comes with a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor with 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization. Its Hybrid AF system claims to be 30% faster and 1.5x better at tracking compared to its predecessor, and boasts a number of design refinements. See gallery
Casio has taken the selfie camera a logical step forward with a new design. The Casio Exilim EX-MR1 uses a lens behind a large mirror so that shooters can check their appearance as they take a picture. The camera, which the company seems to be targeting at women, is a 14MP compact camera with an extra wide angle 4x zoom that starts at 21mm equivalent - a focal length Casio says is optimal for taking self-portraits. Read more
Twitter has launched an update to its mobile apps for iOS and Android bringing a range of new photo filters. In addition to new filter options, filter strength can now be adjusted via a slider, providing more control over the final result. Read more
F-Stop Gear has introduced Kashmir, a camera backpack designed specifically for women. Kashmir is billed as an ultra-light camera pack with a harness system and torso height adjusted to complement a woman's body, something accomplished through the use of an Ultra Lite EVA-padded hip belt and what the maker says are 'female specific S-shoulder straps'. The bag is being funded through Kickstarter. Read more
December 3
The Lumix DMC-GM5 is the newest minuscule ILC from Panasonic. It joins its sibling (the Lumix GM1) by offering nearly all of the same imaging features, including a 16MP Four Thirds sensor, while adding enthusiast-friendly features like an EVF and additional controls. We've been looking at how it handles in the field compared to its predecessor. Take a look at our review-in-progress, complete with studio analysis and shooting experience. Read more
December 2
The D750 is Nikon's enthusiast-oriented full-frame DSLR, featuring a 24MP sensor and a raft of high-end features borrowed from the D810 and D4S. These include a tweaked version of their highly capable 51-point AF system and a very solid HD video specification. We're working on a full review of the D750 right now, and as part of that process we made a short video, highlighting some of the camera's key features in real-world use. Click through to watch.
A multimedia journalist by trade, Tim Matsui's still photography projects have taken him from native Alaskan villages to Brazilian Air Force training facilities. Matsui shares with us his journey in creating his latest documentary work, from its beginnings in still photography to the adaptations he made to turn it into a video production. Learn more about his work on 'The Long Night,' a documentary debuting this week that looks into human trafficking in Seattle. Read our Q&A
creativeLIVE is hosting a two day live workshop with nature photographer Tom Mangelsen. The class will be broadcast live from 9am today, December 2nd (Pacific time) and will cover everything from gear and location scouting advice to wildlife etiquette. It also includes a critique and portfolio review of viewers' images. The class is free to watch live and costs $99 for the rebroadcast. Click through for a link
December 1
Flash manufacturer Cactus has updated firmware for its V6 wireless flash transceiver to include profiles for top end guns from Olympus and Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds systems. Firmware 1.1.004 makes the V6 transmitter/receiver units compatible specifically with Olympus FL-50R, FL-36R and Panasonic FL-500R and FL-360R. Read more
An inventor from Bristol in the UK is developing an LED-based light source for high speed photography, promising to produce a burst of flash with a duration short enough to freeze a bullet. The Vela One, which will be priced at a similar level to standard hotshoe flashguns, uses nine LEDs arranged in a bank that generates a million lumens and is powered by just four AA cells that the inventor claims will last a full day’s shooting. Learn more
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is the long-awaited replacement to the 7D, which was launched in 2009. It features a 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 6 image processors. It has a new 65-point, all cross-type autofocus system as well as an updated version of Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that provides continuous phase detect focusing during video recording. We've just updated our first impressions review with analysis of the camera's performance in our studio scene. See how it compares
November 28
Even for photographers who would not even think about taking pictures with a smartphone camera, with the right accessories your phone can be a very useful photographic tool. The Lumu light meter is a great example - it plugs into the headphone socket of a smartphone and, with the help of the dedicated Lumu app, turns your smartphone into a fully-fledged light meter that can help enhance your understanding of a scene's lighting situation. Click through to read more
Lensbaby has announced its Circular Fisheye 5.8mm f/3.5 lens is now available with new mount options. Launched in April for Canon and Nikon DSLRs, the Circular Fisheye will soon be offered with Micro Four Thirds, Nikon F, Sony A and E, Samsung NX, Canon EF, and Pentax K mounts. Read more
November 27
The enthusiast camera category is small, but mighty. These cameras offer more high-end features and controls than their consumer-level counterparts, many doubling as excellent video and still cameras. Expect fast burst rates, strong image quality, solid AF performance and in several cases, 4k video capture. Read our 2014 enthusiast mirrorless roundup and see how the cameras in this category compare
Optical zooms with fast glass, the ability to capture in Raw, large sensors (compared to those in smartphones), and even EVFs are finding their way into this class of camera. And while they may lack the controls of bulkier enthusiast compacts, many of them offer comparable image quality in a sleeker package 2014 Enthusiast Pocketable Compact Roundup
There's a lot of action in the enthusiast DSLR segment at the moment, and this category in our seasonal roundup includes the top-performing APS-C DSLRs from each manufacturers. These cameras may not have full frame sensors, but what they do have is pro-level controls and features, borrowed from their high-end cousins. Read more in our 2014 enthusiast DSLR roundup
2014 saw the addition of numerous consumer-oriented mirrorless cameras, many borrowing high-end features from their enthusiast-level counterparts. These cameras make for excellent second cameras to a DSLR and great standalone cameras for anyone craving controls, good image quality and a compact size. Find out which we recommend in our 2014 Mid-level mirrorless roundup
As often as we can, we like to put the cameras that we test into the hands of working photographers to find out what they think. Recently we gave the Samsung NX1 to Jordan Stead, staff photographer at SeattlePI.com, and ventured out to nearby Carkeek Park to photograph the salmon run. A seasoned shooter accustomed to pro camera bodies, Jordan gave the NX1's hybrid AF system and 28.2MP BSI-CMOS sensor a try. See the video
November 26
Sony announced the Alpha 7 II last week relatively quietly, introducing a new member to its full-frame mirrorless family. The a7 II brings 5-axis in-body stabilization to a full-frame camera for the first time, claiming 4.5 stops in shake reduction. Other updates include improved ergonomics - you can see these for yourself in our hands-on overview of the a7 II. Here's what you need to know about Sony's newest Alpha camera. Read more
The Samsung NX mini is truly tiny, offering a 20MP 1" sensor inside a highly compact body which features a 180-degree tilting LCD and extensive connectivity features. The mini's touch-sensitive display is the camera's primary interface for changing shooting settings, and an interchangeable lens mount should make this the ideal combination of versatility and point-and-shoot simplicity. Read our review to find out how it compares
Despite the emergence of the mirrorless class, the market is still dominated by conventional DSLRs. Large sensors, optical viewfinders, and sizable grips make them comfortable choices for many aspiring photographers. We cover seven consumer and mid-level models in this roundup. Find out which we recommend. Read more
Sony Electronics has announced US pricing and availability for its recently announced Alpha 7 II camera. The a7 II is the world's first full-frame mirrorless camera with in-body image stabilization (5-axis, no less), and also offers improved controls, focusing performance, and video specs. It will be available on December 9th for $1700 body only and $2000 with the 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 FE lens. We'll be getting our hands on a beta version shortly and will post samples as soon as possible. Read more
Among all of the excitement around the a7 II, Sony quietly announced a new A-mount lens last week. The 70-300mm F4.5 – F5.6 G SSM II lens for A-mount offers faster AF tracking, a new Nano AR coating, and weatherproofing, and will be available in February for $1150. The company also announced the development of Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II A-mount lenses, which will arrive next Spring with similar improvements. Read more
We're updating our 'What to buy and why' camera roundups to include new models introduced in 2014, and first up is the enthusiast compact camera class. These cameras may be a bit too big to fit in your pocket but most are compact enough to be considered appealing alternatives to heavier, bulkier, interchangeable lens camera systems. Read more
November 25
Hasselblad has announced the Stellar II, an enthusiast compact 'not intended to be judged against other cameras'. According to Hasselbad. the Stellar II has been 'conceived and crafted exclusively for aficionados, collectors, and connoisseurs'. Like other recent Hasselblads, the Stellar II is essentially a rebadged Sony camera - the Cyber-shot RX100 II in this case. Available grip finishes include olive, walnut, padouk, and carbon fiber. You can pick one up for yourself at an MSRP of $2395/€1650. Click through to feast your eyes (just don't judge)
The Nikon D750 is a full-frame DSLR that mates features from the D810 with a 24MP sensor, providing a faster frame-rate than any non-pro full-frame Nikon DSLR since the D700. Its comprehensive still and video photography specifications are aimed directly at enthusiasts and full-frame upgraders. We've made a significant update to our D750 first impressions review including a shooting experience and studio scene analysis. Read more
November 24
Panasonic has announced that its DMC-CM1 'compact camera with smartphone technology' will be sold in the UK. Originally the company had marked out France and Germany as the only countries to get the device, but citing 'high demand' it has included a limited number of UK stores to stock it. Read more
November 23
DPReview members are a talented group and we've been highlighting their photography in a series of readers' showcases. Recently we asked the Portrait & People Photography forum to share their favorite shots. They responded with excellent work both in and out of the studio, and we've picked a few of our favorites to share. See gallery
November 22
Flickr Wall Art now allows users to order prints from more than 50 million photographs, the service has announced. This follows Wall Art's arrival in October, and moves to include all applicable freely-licensed Creative Commons images, licensed artists images, and a curated selection of content from NASA. Read more
In this article, nature photographer Erez Marom shares the story of his panoramic shot 'Clouds over Skagsanden', taken earlier this year in the Lofoten Islands in Arctic Norway. His article covers everything from preparing to shoot at the location, to the shoot itself through to final post-processing of the resulting image. Click through to read Erez Marom's article 'Behind the Shot: Clouds over Skagsanden'
November 21
The Nexus 6 is Google's showcase phone for Android 5.0 'Lollipop' and the first Nexus device made by Motorola. It comes with a dual-LED ring flash, a 13MP sensor with a fast F2.0 aperture, optical image stabilization and 4K video recording. DxOMark Mobile put the Nexus 6 through its image quality tests and has just published the results. Read more
Canon's successor to the EOS 7D was a long time coming, but the 7D Mark II appears to have all the makings of a DSLR worth the wait. Offering a 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, Dual Pixel AF with 65 phase-detect points and more robust weather-resistance, the 7D II is a formidable follow-up indeed. Our full review is well underway and we've just updated our first impressions with a detailed shooting experience. Read more
November 20
German television and photographic equipment maker Metz has filed for insolvency according to German media. Metz is known for producing high-end lighting equipment including flash units, studio flashes, and video lights. Approximately 600 jobs will be affected by the company's financial situation. Read more
Sony has announced its Alpha 7 II, which the company has managed to keep very close to its vest. The big story on this 24MP full-frame mirrorless is its 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization - the first that we've seen in a full-frame camera. Sony claims that this IS system can reduce shake by 4.5 stops using the CIPA standard. The Hybrid AF system has also been improved upon, offering 30% faster speeds and a 1.5X improvement in tracking. The a7 II also sports a larger grip, new front dial, and sensibly relocated shutter release. Read more
Fujifilm has unveiled two macro extension tubes for its X-series interchangeable lens cameras, as well as a launch date for the previously-promised Fujifilm X-T1 firmware. More firmware updates are also announced for the X-E2, X-E1, X-Pro1 and X-30, as well as the introduction of tethering software for PC. Read more
Just announced by a company of the same name, the Lume Cube is an off-camera lighting option that can be used with a smartphone or GoPro Hero action camera. Thanks to its silicone shell it is water resistant and a 1/4-inch thread makes it mountable on a tripod or other camera support. Additionally, it can be attached to most surfaces magnetically or using a suction-cup. Lume Cube is controlled via an Android or iOS smartphone app. Read more
November 19
Panasonic has announced another firmware update for the Lumix DMC-GH4, this one following closely after the update it pushed out in September enabling tethering and 4K photo mode. The software is scheduled to release on an unspecified day in December, and will bring with it changes revolving around video output options. Read more
Adobe has launched Adobe Camera Raw v8.7 and Lightroom v5.7, adding support for the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Samsung NX1, Fujifilm X100T, Canon G7 X, Panasonic LX100 and a host of other recent cameras. An update to DNG Converter allows files to be adapted for use with older versions of Adobe's software. The latest downloads are available through the software update feature or the links provided. Learn more
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