There's no doubt that JPEG is the web's go-to image format, offering both widespread compatibility and small file sizes, but it's far from perfect. Alternative image formats have been developed that provide higher-quality compression, but nothing yet has come close to toppling JPEG thanks to its ubiquity. BPG is the latest new format to challenge it. Read more
2014 was an impressive year for camera and lens launches. We've shared our thoughts on many of them, from high-quality high-end DSLRs to some very enticing enthusiast compacts. Now it's your turn - our 2014 Readers' Polls are open! Cast your vote in four categories: Best High-end ILC, Best Lens, Best Consumer ILC and Best High-end Compact Camera. Read more
Seattle PI.com, formerly the Seattle Post Intelligencer, was the first major metropolitan newspaper in the USA to go online-only. Since then, the website has gained a reputation for high-quality photojournalism, covering events in Seattle and throughout Washington State. Remarkably, the PI only employs two full-time staff photographers, who between them in 2014 covered everything from the Superbowl to the tragic shooting at the Marysville-Pilchuck High School. Click through for a small selection of the PI's 'pictures of the year'
Submissions are still being accepted for the Sony World Photographer Awards, but with competition deadlines fast approaching the organization has just released a selection of preliminary 'submission highlights' for a little inspiration. See gallery
Sony has released a firmware update for the SLT-a77 II, its 24MP semi-pro APS-C camera. Firmware 2.00 claims improved autofocus speed in all light conditions, but notably a 2.5x improvement in low light. Support for XAVC-S full HD video recording is also added. Read more
Adobe has announced plans to acquire stock photography service Fotolia. Once the acquisition is complete, Fotolia will be offered to Adobe users as a 'single Creative Cloud marketplace experience', as well as a standalone service to others. Read more
The latest update for Camera FV-5, a third-party camera app, makes Android the second mobile OS to allow capture of Raw image files. The app has been rewritten to take advantage of the improved camera support under the latest Android version, 5.0 Lollipop, now offering an option to save a DNG file with your JPEG image. Read more
Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter 8.7.1 final releases are now available, adding support for the Sony Alpha 7 II and a handful of lens profiles. A bug related to chromatic aberration with the Samsung NX1 has also been addressed in this update. Read more
Canon's EOS 7D Mark II was a long time coming. It arrived in time for Photokina 2014, combining a pro-grade AF module with a 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor using Dual-Pixel AF. The 7D II also provides 10 fps continuous shooting, a 150,000 RGB +IR pixel metering sensor and 1080/60p video recording. Our full review takes an in-depth look at its performance. Read review
The world's most expensive photograph has sold for $6.5 million to a private collector. The photograph 'Phantom' was taken by fine art photographer Peter Lik, and was joined by sales of his "Eternal Moods" for $1.1 million and "Illusion" for $2.4 million for a total of $10 million. Read more
Renting gear from professional camera rental services has served as a vital resource for many photographers borrowing expensive or niche equipment for a shoot. Now, a new challenger has arrived, and the Los Angeles startup aims to create a peer-to-peer alternative to online rental services – enter, ShareGrid. Read more
ACD Systems has announced ACDSee Ultimate 8, bringing for the first time layer-based editing to its Digital Asset Management and image manipulation software. It offers the same image adjustment capabilities provided by ACDSee Pro 8 with the added ability to create and manipulate layers, as well as support for 32-bit and 64-bit transparency. Read more
Lytro's processing software just received a significant update. Lytro Desktop 4.1 provides some additional features for users of the Illum light field camera, including Focus Spread, which allows photographers to pick beginning and ending points for depth of focus. Learn more
Alien Skin software has announced Exposure 7, a new version of its flagship film emulation software. This iteration introduces non-destructive Raw editing, supporting files from a number of Canon and Nikon cameras as well as a handful of mirrorless models from Fujifilm, Olympus and Sony. Read more
The World Photography Organization has announced its judges for the 2015 Sony World Photography Awards. Photo editors from major publications around the world make up the judging committee. The competition is open to youth, amateurs and pros alike and is accepting entries until early January. The organization has also released a selection of standout submissions. Read more
It seems ultra-portable LED-based external light sources are the flavor of the season. Last month brought the Lume Cube, and today there is Relio. Relio is a 35mm small aluminum cube that uses a USB connection as power source for its LED light. It can be mounted on tripods and other camera supports using a 1/4-inch standard thread. Read more
Update: Leica has issued an official statement addressing the reports of sensor corrosion. A growing number of Leica users are reporting white spots appearing on images taken with M9, M9-P, M Monochrom and M-E cameras. The common element in all of these models is their 18MP full frame Kodak CCD sensor which is protected by a piece of Schott S8612 glass. Read more
Adorama has announced the Aries Blackbird X10 quadcopter. The Blackbird X10 features an integrated 16MP camera with 1/2.3-inch type sensor able to record up to 1080p video at 30fps. Feature-wise the drone is decidedly mid-tier, falling between the lower-end Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 and the higher-end DJI Inspire 1 drones, for example, while retaining a moderate $799 price. Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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