The latest from Lensbaby, the Velvet 56mm f/1.6, is designed to bring soft, dream-like effects to portraiture. It also provides a minimum focus distance of 5 inches for macro work. It's by no means cheap for what it offers at $499.95, but for some photographers will offer the ability to capture soft focus effects in-camera rather than through processing. We took the Velvet 56 out for a spin. See gallery
When we attended CP+ earlier this year in Yokohama, Japan we sat down with senior executives from several major camera and lens manufacturers. We were lucky enough to sit down with a number of Nikon engineers to ask them about their overall strategy with respect to FX vs DX, and DSLR vs mirrorless. We were also able to ask pointed technical questions regarding innovative technologies in Nikon cameras, and the answers were very enlightening. Click through to read the interview
Nikon has announced that it will release new firmware for three of its DSLRs, improving their ability to communicate with the Atomos Shogun and Ninja-2 external video recording devices. The cameras concerned are the Nikon D4S, the D810 and the D750 and the update is slated to arrive this summer. Read more
Accessories brand Fotodiox has introduced a cherry wood hand grip for the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III that it says is 'inspired' by the Hasselblad Stellar special edition cameras first launched in 2013. At $59.95 it makes a somewhat more affordable solution, even when you add the price of the camera, than the $1650 Hasselblad wanted for last year's Stellar II. Read more
Linkedin has announced plans to acquire lynda.com, home to extensive online photography classes. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015, bringing lynda.com's library of educational content to Linkedin's professional networking site, all for approximately $1.5 billion. Read more
Apple has released the OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 update, and among its features is the new Photos app that has been available to developers since February. Photos replaces Aperture and iPhoto, and is designed to work better with the company's mobile products. Read more
Samsung's NX1 seemed to offer pretty much every feature possible when we were first briefed about it last year. Its 28.2MP APS-C BSI sensor, hybrid AF system, 4K video and 15 fps continuous shooting with AF have continued to impress us throughout our extensive testing. Can such an innovative on-paper feature set make it a serious competitor to well-established brands in the DSLR and mirrorless worlds? Read review
DJI has announced the Phantom 3 in two versions: the Professional, capable of 4K video, and the Advanced, which shoots 1080p. Both capture 12MP stills thanks to a 1/2.3" Sony EXMOR sensor and offer an f/2.8 lens with a 20mm equiv. angle of view. A 3-axis gimbal keeps the camera unit steady in flight. Read more
Chinese flash manufacturer Venus Optics has launched a double headed macro flash unit, claiming that it has the highest guide number in the world for such a device. The Kuangren Macro Twin Flash KX-800 uses a pair of flash heads on extending flexible arms that can be positioned in front of the lens for extreme close-up work. Another arm houses an LED light to help with focusing. Read more
LaCie has introduced a new Rugged Thunderbolt external drive, updating its lineup with a 1TB SSD. This is double the previous Rugged drive's 500GB capacity, and is coupled with a rugged external housing able to withstand water exposure, shock, and dust. The inclusion of a Thunderbolt connection, meanwhile, enables fast transfer speeds compared to typical external hard drive speeds. Read more
Today Canon released the XC10, a camera that for all practical purposes is equal part a stills and a video camera. It promises to deliver not only both types of media, but an appropriate user experience for either type of shooting. It may be the first true 'convergence' camera. Learn more about this camera and why it's a significant milestone of technology. Read more
Canon's new XC10 is the first product we've seen which is neither a stills camera with a video feature or a video camera that can capture stills. In terms of both specification and ergonomics it is a true 'convergence' product with the potential to shake up more than one market segment. We've been poring over the specifications for a while now - here's what you need to know
Canon has released its XC10 digital camcorder which combines advanced 4K video recording with capable still shooting features. The core features are a 12MP 1" CMOS sensor and a fixed F2.8-5.6 image stabilized lens equivalent to 27-270mm for videos and 24-240mm for stills. 4K UHD video is captured using the XF-AVC Intra codec (which offers bit rates up to 305MBps) and 8MP stills can be grabbed from 4K video. Other notable features include a rotating grip, tilting LCD, and built-in Wi-Fi. Read more.
Canon has announced the EOS C300 Mark II Cinema EOS camera, updating its predecessor with a new 8.85 megapixel 35mm sensor allowing 4K shooting. Also new are Dual DIGIC DV5 processors bringing the ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 4K (UHD or DCI) video internally thanks using the new XF-AVC Codec. Read more
Color management company Datacolor has announced a new version of its Spyder monitor calibrating tool that it claims offers up to 55% improvement in tonal response, leading to 'more accurate shadow detail and smoother gradients.' The body of the new Spyder5 calibrator has been redesigned, somewhat losing the spider legs that got the series it name. Read more
Lensbaby has introduced the Velvet 56, a portrait lens with an f/1.6 aperture and 1:2 magnification, as well as a minimum focus distance of 5 inches. Lensbaby claims the lens produces 'soft, glowing' effects at brighter apertures for a 'velvety' quality the lens is named for. Read more
One of the most important parts of a tripod is the head that connects the camera to the legs. Continuing where our previous ball head roundup left off, we've collected six ball-type heads for review that are in the medium-to-large size class. These heads are suitable for most large cameras and lenses, with only the truly gigantic or heavy devices requiring something larger. Find out which ones earn our recommendation. Read more
Colorado, U.S. state legislatures have introduced a new bill that, if signed into law, will prevent law enforcement officers from interfering with citizens who are photographing or recording police activity. It is House Bill 15-1290, and it comes at a time when Texas has proposed its own bill on the topic, but with a draconian slant: it penalizes citizens that film or photograph police actions within 25 feet of the incident. Read more
In theory, Sony's FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS all-in-one zoom is an ideal candidate for travel photography with one of the company's a7-series. The stabilized lens provides Sony's full frame mirrorless cameras with a 10x zoom range, designed with five aspherical elements and one ED glass element. We put it to the test on landscapes, portraits, and lots of things in between. See gallery
Monday got you down? We've got something to help pick you right back up - our studio scene comparison tool has just been updated. Now included are samples from the Nikon D7200, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. Take a look at how they perform against their peers. Read more
Sony's line of FE lenses continues to grow. One of the most recent models to be released, the FE 28mm F2, recently landed in our office, and we spent some time toting it around on a variety of Sony FE bodies. Check out our samples. See gallery
Like many of our site readers, Rajesh Bhattacharjee is a self-taught photographer who connected with other photographers online and in person to help improve his craft. He's a keen traveler, spending his free time in National Parks pursuing great landscapes. Based on his portfolio, we'd say he's found more than a few. Take a look at his images and read more in our Q&A. See gallery
Tamron has announced a competition for US-based customers, who are encouraged to submit 8-14 images with a travel theme. Prizes for the winner include having his or her work featured on Tamron's website and in its newsletter, as well as the opportunity to pick up a shiny new SP 15-30mm F/2.8, 24-70mm F/2.8 or 70-200mm F/2.8. Learn more
When it rains, it pours - that was definitely the case this week, both outside our office windows (Thunder! In Seattle!) and in terms of content on the site. We posted our Sony a7 II review, got out shooting with Nikon's newest DX-format DSLR, and reviewed another Nikon crop sensor camera. Don't be an April fool - take a look back and get caught up. Read more
Triggertrap has released a new app that allows photographers to take more control of timelapse sessions by introducing the ability to add delays into a sequence. Timelapse Pro is available for iOS devices running iOS 8 and, with the appropriate dedicated cable, can control over 300 models of camera. Read more
Premium optical brand Voigtländer has announced the price of the 10.5mm super wide angle lens that it first displayed at Photokina in September 2014. The Voigtländer Nokton 10.5mm f/0.95 is designed to be used with Micro Four Thirds cameras, and will be the fourth in the current line of f/0.95 lenses that the company offers. Read more
On March 27, Samyang and Rokinon teased a new lens on Facebook, saying that it would offer 'immense focus and unparalleled features'. That lens was officially introduced today, and it's a 100mm f2.8 Macro offering with 1:1 magnification and a 1ft. minimum focusing distance. Though it won't be shipping until next month, the lens is available to pre-order from retailers now. Read more
Slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the Nikon D5500 continues to offer a proven 24.2MP APS-C sensor in a body that's more approachable than a D7000-series DSLR. It offers a fully articulated 3.2" touchscreen, 1080/60p HD video, a new EXPEED 4 processor and built-in Wi-Fi. Can it compete in ever more crowded class? Read more
While Nikon's DSLRs tend to get the most attention, its 1-series mirrorless cameras have become more and more capable since their introduction in 2011. The company's latest offering is the Nikon 1 J5, which sports a more upscale, classic look and some notable changes inside and out. We dug into its features and have put together a slideshow that displays the highlights. Read more
The Nikon 1 J5 has been announced as the latest member of Nikon's mirrorless lineup. It offers a more traditional shape and feel with a contoured grip and a command dial. Its 1"-type 20.8MP BSI-CMOS sensor offers a boost in resolution over its predecessor, and is capable of 4K video capture at 15 fps. Read more
Fujifilm has rolled out firmware updates aimed at fixing quirks in the X100T and X-T1, improving image quality in the FinePix S1 superzoom, and improving OIS functionality in several X-mount zoom lenses. Read more
Sony is selling half its stake in Olympus to investment bank JP Morgan to free up cash for 'strategic investments,' the company has announced. Sony bought a 10% stake in the medical and camera company in 2012, primarily to gain access to the global medical market to which it hoped to apply its sensor, 3D and display technologies. At the time Olympus's future was in doubt, following revelations that it had misstated its accounts having been secretly redirecting money to pay off long-standing debts that has been hidden from investors. Read more
GoPro has been granted a patent for a small square camera housing, which eschews the rectangular shape its cameras have taken thus far in favor of something resembling the Polaroid Cube. According to the patent, which was recently published by the USPTO, the square design would allow for additional mounting options, with every orientation being the same. Read more
When using 'the camera you have with you' for serious photographic pursuits, sometimes the visual elements present in the scene lack that personal connection so critical in modern photography. These situations call for that groundbreaking coalescence of technology, dexterity, and tubing, known as the selfie-stick. We've put several popular models to the test in this in-depth, comprehensive roundup. Read more
The Nikon D7200 improves over its predecessor in one important way, offering a greatly improved buffer. Other improvements are more subtle, but more sensitive AF and an improved video specification make the D7200 a more capable camera than the model which came before it. We've had a D7200 for a few days, and wasted no time pairing it with Sigma's excellent 18-35mm F1.8 A to get some real-world samples. Click through to see more
Phase One Industrial designed a new camera specifically for drones, billed as the smallest 80 megapixel medium format camera in the world. The iXU 180 camera features an 80 megapixel CCD sensor, taking 4:3 ratio images with your choice of five Schneider-Kreuznach lenses and an overall modular design. The camera won't be arriving until the middle of next month, but Phase One Industrial has detailed its specs ahead of time. Read more
Microsoft has announced the latest model in its Surface line of tablets, the Surface 3. The big news here is that, unlike its predecessors which were running Windows RT, the new model comes with a full version of Windows 8.1. This means, like on the more expensive Surface Pro models, you can install and run any Windows application including Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, making the Surface 3 a real alternative to a conventional PC. Read more
The Sony Alpha 7 II provides a number of features and ergonomic enhancements over its predecessor, but its standout feature is the 5-axis image stabilization system surrounding its 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor. Sony also claims improvements to the camera's hybrid AF system, and it also sports a redesigned grip. Find out all about the a7 II's added features and see what difference they make. Read review
Yale has announced the acquisition of the Meserve-Kunhardt Collection, which is comprised of more than 73,000 items including portraits of Abraham Lincoln. The collection was assembled by Frederick Hill Meserve and his daughter Dorothy Meserve, and serves to document American history spanning from the Civil War up to the end of the 19th century. Read more
Polaroid camera repair and maintenance company Mint has introduced its own instant camera called the Mint Instantflex TL70. Fitted with a 65.4mm lens the camera offers aperture settings of f/5.6, f/8, f/16 and f/32 with an additional setting called f/bokeh – which creates a 5-pointed star shaped aperture. The Instantflex also features a flip-up flash unit housed above the viewing lens. Read more
In many users' pockets consumer-level digital compact cameras have been replaced by smartphones. The cameras of the latter don't usually have zoom lenses or xenon flashes but image sensor technology has been rapidly improving, making smartphones important photographic tools for many. We've made a list in no particular order our current favorite smartphone cameras for those who are looking to buy their first smartphone or upgrade their current device. Read more
'Whales made me do it' isn't exactly what we expected to hear when we asked DPR reader Raymond Pang how he got started in photography. Then again, he's not really your typical photographer. When he couldn't find an app to help him plan out shoots in advance, he learned iOS app development and created one. Take a look at some of his images and read more in our Q&A. See gallery
A new version of the Lee Filters SW150 system holder has been introduced that allows compatibility with a broader range of extreme wide angle lenses, and which has been designed to reduce the impact of reflections from the rear surface of fitted filters. The Lee Filter SW150 Mark ll now allows the existing 150mm-wide filters that were developed for the original SW150 to be fitted to four lenses using model-specific adapter rings - with more on the way. Read more
Adaptalux has introduced a new portable lighting studio, likewise called Adaptalux, which is designed specifically for macro photography. The design is modular in nature, allowing photographers to 'rebuild' it in different ways to meet different needs. This is achieved using a core Control Pod into which Lighting Arms are plugged, with each Lighting Arm being customizable in regards to color, beam angle, brightness and diffusion. Read more
The X30 is the latest iteration of Fujifilm's line of premium compact cameras. Featuring a 12MP X-Trans sensor coupled with a 28-112mm equivalent fast zoom, the X30 is a capable camera, made more enjoyable compared to its predecessors by the addition of a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. Our man in England, Damien Demolder has been shooting with one and shares his take. Read review
Accessories manufacturer Manfrotto has announced a new series of consumer LED lights that offer portable continuous output for stills and video photographers. The Lumie Art, Play and Muse lights are powered by a USB rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that is said to deliver over an hour’s worth of continuous lighting. While the Art and Play models come with a hotshoe adapter and a tripod mount, the Muse additionally has a ball and socket head that makes angling the light easy. Read more
The Samsung NX500 takes some of the best bits of the NX1, including the same 28MP APS-C format sensor and still imaging pipeline, and wraps them up in a smaller, less expensive body. We recently had the opportunity to shoot with an NX500 on the beautiful island of Hawaii. We've already published a couple of samples galleries, but click through to read about how we got on with Samsung's newest mirrorless interchangeable lens camera
Amazon has announced two new 'unlimited' storage plans as part of its Cloud Drive service. The Unlimited Photos plan costs $11.99 per year and an 'Unlimited Everything' plan allows users to store an infinite number of photos, videos, documents and music for $59.99 per year. Both services can be tried out for free for three months, starting now. Click through for more information
Reikan has announced a major update to its AF tuning software, FoCal. FoCal automates the process of calibrating your lens to your DSLR camera body, important - if not absolutely necessary - for critical focus when using fast lenses that yield shallow depth-of-field. Version 2 introduces the ability to check your copy of a lens against other users' test results. Read more
Instant film manufacturer Impossible has launched what it calls a Generation 2.0 film called B&W 2.0. The company claims it's not only sharper and clearer than previous Impossible products, but also develops much quicker. The new film is the result of a new chemical formula for Impossible that has been developed by former Polaroid research chemist Stephen Herchen. Read more
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