The shortlist for the Sony World Photography Awards has been announced in the Professional, Open, and Youth categories. Photographers from 166 countries submitted nearly 140,000 images, the highest number of entries in the awards' seven year history. The winners of the Open and Youth categories will be announced on March 18. Professional category winners will be announced April 30. See gallery
Photo-sharing site 500px has launched 'Prime' a licensing service that it is describing as 'the world's most intelligent marketplace' with fees that start at $250. Interestingly, the company is also claiming that the photographer will get 30% of every fee for a licensed image, no matter 'how it is bought, who buys it, or under what license'. Click through for more details.
The Nokia Lumia 1520 runs the Windows Phone operating system and offers high-end specs all-around. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor and ships with 2GB of RAM but it's the camera specs that should make the 1520 an appealing option for mobile photographers. The PureView branded camera combines a 1/2.5-inch 20MP BSI CMOS sensor with a F2.4 lens and optical image stabilization. How does it perform as a camera? Read our in-depth review to find out.
We were visited recently by Panasonic product experts and got some time to handle Panasonic's latest still/video hybrid camera - the Lumix DMC-GH4. We've dug through its feature set to get a feel for what it offers and have summarized what's new and improved. And, although it's the 4K-capability that will grab all the initial attention, there's also plenty for 1080p shooters and even still photographers to take notice of. Click through to read more...
Panasonic has announced its latest flagship Micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix DMC-GH4. It's designed as a 'hybrid camera' that can shoot both stills and videos, and the emphasis of the improvements is clearly on the latter. Its revised 16MP Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine IX processor allow for 4K video, 12 fps continuous shooting and 1080p shooting at bitrates as high as 200Mbps. An optional 'interface unit' adds five SDI and two XLR terminals, and permits 10-bit 4:2:2 output with time code.
The Coolpix P340 is Nikon's latest pocket enthusiast camera designed to compete with the likes of the Canon PowerShot S120. It features a 1/1.7", 12.2-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor with ability to capture Raw files. The P340 has a useful 24-120mm equivalent stabilized zoom range with F1.8-5.6 maximum aperture, a high resolution 3" LCD screen and now includes built-in Wi-Fi. Learn more
Nikon introduces its Coolpix P600, P530 and S9700 high zoom cameras with 16MP BSI CMOS sensors. The Coolpix P600 and P530 feature built-in electronic viewfinders and 60x and 42x optical zoom ranges, respectively, while the Coolpix S9700 travel zoom compact has a 30x optical zoom. Both the P600 and S9700 offer built-in Wi-Fi, and all three cameras provide 1080/60i HD video recording.
Nikon has announced its Coolpix AW120 and S32 waterproof cameras. The AW120 features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3" OLED screen and a wide-angle 24-120mm equivalent image stabilized zoom. It's waterproof down to 18m (59ft), shockproof from a height of 2m (6.6ft), and freezeproof down to -10C/+14F. It also comes with built-in Wi-fi and GPS. The inexpensive S32 has a 13.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 2.7-inch LCD display and 30-90mm equivalent lens. Learn more
We just added studio test scene images to our First Impressions Review of the Fujifilm X-T1. The X-T1 takes many familiar elements we've seen before in X-Series cameras but incorporates them in more DSLR-like shape and with even more external control. We also got a version of Adobe Camera Raw that supports the camera and have added it to our test scene comparison tool.
Tamron has announced the development of an all-in-one 'superzoom' lens for APS-C SLRs with a huge 18.8x range. The 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro will offer an unusually wide angle view for its class (24-450mm equivalent), while also allowing close-up shooting with 0.34x magnification. It has an ultrasonic-type autofocus motor, splashproof construction and optical image stabilization. Pricing and availability are still to be announced. Learn more
Tamron has announced that it's developing a new 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD superzoom lens for full frame SLRs. A near-twin of the co-announced 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 for APS-C, it's distinguished from the current model by featuring an ultrasonic-type 'Piezo Drive' autofocus motor, splashproof construction and more-compact design with a 67mm filter thread. It'll be made in Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts; pricing and availability are to be confirmed. Learn more
The Ricoh WG-4 and WG-4 GPS update the previously Pentax-branded rugged WG-series as step-up models featuring a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor, 25-100mm equiv. F2-4.9 lens and sensor-shift image stabilization. The two models are nearly identical with the exception of the WG-4 GPS' built-in location tagging capability and front-facing display, and are introduced with a number of mount accessories for action videography and photography. Both cameras are waterproof to 14m/45ft, coldproof to -10C/+14F, crushproof to 220lbf and shockproof from 2m/7ft. The WG-4 and WG-4 GPS will sell for $329.95 and $379.95 respectively. Learn more
Ricoh has announced the WG-20, an inexpensive rugged compact that's waterproof to 10m/33ft, freezeproof to -10C/+14F, and able to survive a 1.5m/5ft drop. Sporting a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, it provides a 28-140mm 5x optical zoom lens and 720p HD movie recording. It's a continuation of Pentax's WG-line (minus the 'Pentax' logo), and presumably a WG-10 replacement, though the cameras appear to share the same sensor, lens and rugged specifications. Available in March, it will ship in red or white for $199.95. Learn more
Ricoh has announced the HD Pentax DA AF 1.4X AW Rear Converter - a weather-resistant 1.4x teleconverter. It's designed to maintain autofocus both with lenses that use built-in focus motors, and those which are driven from the camera body. It'll be available in March 2014 for a price of $599.95 / £379.99. See full details, including a list of compatible lenses
Ricoh Imaging has announced it will be showing four 'reference products' at the forthcoming CP+ trade show in Yokohama, Japan. The company's Pentax brand has previously shown early prototypes of future models at the show. This year's products include a CMOS-based 645D medium format camera with tilting LCD, scheduled for launch in Spring 2014, along with an ultra-wide-angle zoom for the 645 system. Also on show will be a telephoto macro prime lens for the small sensor Q-mount system and a DSLR accessory for making digital captures from slide and negative film.
Pentax has released new firmware for its flagship K-3 DSLR, allowing users to bracket exposures by AA filter simulation mode. As a reminder, the K-3 lacks a physical anti-aliasing filter, but simulates the blurring effect via minute movement of its sensor, with two intensity levels available (three if you include 'off'). Firmware v1.02 allows you to shoot a burst of sequential images at each AA filter level, to fine-tune the optimal balance between resolution and artifacts like moiré.
Artist Emma Jaubert Howell has combined her passions for glass blowing and photography by adopting the wet plate collodion process to expose images directly onto her artwork. The process alone is tricky, but to expose onto her three-dimensional glasswork Howell had to create a camera from scratch that was large enough to accommodate the hand-blown bowls. We spoke to Emma about her project. Learn more about her process and see some of her art in our gallery.
As part of our forthcoming review, we've been shooting extensively with the Fujifilm X-E2. Dpreview's Richard Butler used the camera on his recent vacation and has written about his experience living with it during that time. It's a small camera that offers a high level of direct control, but does that make it the perfect traveling companion? Read our Fujifilm X-E2 shooting experience to find out
Tamrac has introduced the Apache Series photo messenger bags. The three new models are made of waterproof sailcloth and designed to look discreet. The smallest of the new bags, the Apache 2 Photo Messenger, can hold a compact DSLR kit or mirrorless system. The Apache 6 Photo Messenger, the largest bag, can hold a DSLR with lens attached and 2-3 extra lenses, along with a tablet or laptop. The Apache 4 and 6 also have a silent closure system. Learn more
Nikon has released Capture NX version 2.4.6. The latest update adds Raw image support for the recently announced entry-level D3300 and the improved white balance adjustment options can now match the 'Auto 1' setting found in newer DSLR and Coolpix cameras. Version 2.4.6 also expands Fine Adjustment range from 4132–7042k to 2500–7042k when using the Direct Sunlight option for Daylight. Get the update
After 4 weeks of voting the results of our annual Challenge of Challenges photo contest are in, and although it was a close contest there was a clear winner. Click here to jump straight to the results in full and to once again be impressed by the amazing photographic skills and vision of our Challenges community.
Weeks after replacing its CEO and announcing a new 50MP CMOS-equipped medium format DSLR, Hasselblad has us scratching our heads yet again. The just-announced Hasselblad HV joins the Lunar and Stellar as a restyled Sony SLT-A99 that offers identical specifications but has a complete aesthetic overhaul and 'tough as nails' PVD-coated aluminum and titanium construction. And we thought those days were over... Learn more
A factory-fresh Fujifilm X-T1 arrived in our office last week, and editor Barnaby Britton spent the weekend trying it out, taking a range of sample images in different environments, with several lenses. Highlights of the X-T1's specification include a 16MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor with on-chip phase detection, high-resolution EVF and 8 fps continuous shooting with AF tracking. See our gallery and detailed first-impressions review
Before Christmas, we asked you to vote for your favorite cameras and lenses in five categories. We announced the category winners earlier this year and created a final poll to find what - in your opinion - was the single standout product of 2013. Click through for a reminder of the category winners and to find out which of the winning products was your choice for 2013 product of the year!
SmugMug, the online photo storage and sharing site, has an all-new video series that gives a glimpse into the lives of pro photographers and their work. It's a behind-the-lens look at people who follow their passions in photography. SmugMug aims to highlight a different photographer every two weeks for the rest of 2014. Learn more
Originally announced in December 2013, Sony has now made available firmware updates for the QX10 and QX100 cameras that clip on to the front of your smartphone. Version 2.0 adds full HD movie recording and expands ISO settings on both cameras. The QX100 also gains an extra Shutter Priority mode. Get the update
Chef April Bloomfield is an avid smartphone photographer who has made something of an art posting largely behind-the-scenes shots of the work done in her kitchens. Rather than express horror at the low quality of food photographs swirling out on the Internet, Bloomfield embraces the medium, advising potential culinary photographers to hold out for good lighting or hold off altogether. Click through for a sample of her images on Connect.
The Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* is one of the first lenses for Sony's fledgling full frame mirrorless system, and designed as a fast 'normal' prime to complement the Sony Alpha 7 and 7R. However at around $999 / £900, it costs several times as much as the 50mm F1.4 options for DSLR systems. So what exactly are you paying for? Click through for the lens test data and our analysis.
Reports have been surfacing that Nikon is issuing new D610 cameras to customers who send in their D600s for service. It's hard to substantiate, but Nikon Rumors has been collating reports from Europe and the US which seem to show that some customers who send their D600s in for service related to the now notorious dust accumulation issue have been receiving brand new D610s in exchange. Read Nikon's statement on the matter
Many have seen Don McCullin's haunting pictures of conflict, but few have heard his own thoughts on his acclaimed career. Created by photographer David Sims for the Dunhill 'Voices' campaign, for three minutes and twenty seconds we are taken into the mind of one this generation's most iconic photographers. 'The majority of the last 50 years of my life has been wasted photographing wars. What good have I done showing these pictures of suffering', McCullin says. See video
Zeiss has announced an addition to its Touit family of lenses, in the shape of a 50mm F2.8 Macro. The Touit 2.8/50M is designed for mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors, and will come in Sony E and Fujifilm X mounts. With an angle of view equivalent to 75mm on full frame, it offers 1:1 magnification for close-up shooting. Like the other Touit lenses it includes autofocus, but no image stabilisation. It will go on sale in March 2014 with a recommended price of EUR 755 (excl. VAT.) or US$ 999 (excl. VAT).
When it comes to the (literal) nuts and bolts of cameras and lenses, Roger Cicala at Lens Rentals is the man to ask. This week he's been busy disassembling Sony's flagship mirrorless camera, the Alpha 7R. We're in the middle of our review right now, and we must admit - some of the pictures of his detailed tear-down make us wince. But we can't... look... away. Click through for an edited selection of images from the whole gory process.
Ricoh has updated the suite of apps provided with the Theta spherical image camera, to allow users to post images from the Theta to Google Maps and Google+. According to Ricoh, these new abilities are a result of collaboration with Google to make the Theta's images compatible with Photo Sphere XMP, Google's standard for panoramic images. Click through for more details.
The Olympus E-M10 wraps much of the E-M5's feature set into a smaller, more compact body. It retains core OM-D features like twin dials, a built-in EVF and a 16 megapixel Four Thirds sensor, but manages to fit them into a body that's more Stylus 1 than ILC. It sits below its E-M5 and E-M1 siblings in terms of both price and specifications, but with features borrowed from two very strong predecessors it's potentially a very impressive camera in its own right. Take a look at our first impressions and sample gallery.
Olympus unveils the OM-D E-M10, a smaller and budget-friendly Micro Four Thirds 'Digital OM' with many parts borrowed from the E-M5 - including its 16 megapixel sensor. It also manages to snag a few features from the flagship E-M1, like a TruePic VII processor and built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control. It falls short of its siblings with '3-axis' image stabilization rather than the '5-axis' system in the E-M5 and E-M1, and doesn't provide an accessory port, but these concessions help nudge the E-M10 to its attractive $699/£529 body-only price point.
Alongside the OM-D E-M10, Olympus has also announced three lenses. First up is the M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8, a relatively inexpensive fast normal prime, that looks specifically designed to complement the much-loved 45mm F1.8. Second is the 9mm F8 Fish-Eye Body Cap Lens (which Olympus technically considers an 'accessory'); this offers a 140° angle of view in a tiny plastic body. Finally there's a new 'pancake' kit zoom for the E-M10, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ, which features an electronic zoom. Learn more
Olympus has introduced the Stylus SP-100 superzoom, a camera with built-in dot-sight technology that enables you to easily track moving subjects while the lens is zoomed in. The dot-sight pops up just above the high-resolution electronic viewfinder. Users can also choose the focus range used by the camera via a focus limit function. The SP-100 combines a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor with a 24-1200mm 50x optical zoom that captures 1080/60p HD video. Learn more
Olympus has announced the Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS, the next generation of the company's mid-range waterproof camera. The TG-850 has a super wide-angle 21-105mm 5x optical zoom lens and now includes a LCD screen that flips upward 180°. It's waterproof down to 33 feet (10m) and the 16-megapixel back-lit CMOS sensor can shoot 1080/60p HD video. Learn more
Olympus has issued a firmware update for the OM-D E-M5, adding two new features that owners should welcome: an extended 'Low' ISO setting and smaller AF points. The ISO 100-equivalent setting promises lower noise, and enables shooting of fast primes at closer to maximum aperture in daylight, but comes at the cost of earlier highlight clipping. Also being added to the E-M5 is the ability to select smaller AF target points for more accurate focusing. Get the update
Two patents, discovered by AppleInsider, show how Apple might allow users to expand the photographic capabilities of their iPhones. One describes a removable 'back panel' which contains different camera options, and another (slightly more plausible in the near-term) details how users might be able to attach 'modules' to their phones' camera lenses to provide different lens options. Click through to learn more at Connect.
The Fujifilm X-T1 has a lot in common with its X-series siblings - bearing an important distinction: it's weatherproof. It does in fact offer many of the same inner workings as the X-E2, including its 16MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor with on-chip phase detection. On top of that it adds a revamped EVF, an OLED panel boasting a claimed lag time of 0.005 seconds. Consider also that it shoots 8 fps with subject tracking and it all adds up to a very well specified package. Read our first impressions review
Following its first appearance in a teaser ad last week (and a comprehensive leak), the Fujifilm X-T1 makes its official debut. It's a weather-resistant, SLR-styled mirrorless camera bearing a 16MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor, a chip it borrows from its X-E2 sibling. What really separates it from the X-E2 is the X-T1's giant electronic viewfinder and triple control dials on its top plate. The X-T1 also has Wi-Fi built-in, and supports remote control from a smartphone.
The past and present collided when the National Parks Service recreated a number of 1930's panoramic photos of fire lookouts, this time with modern photographic technology. The results are viewable in an interactive format that's helping the NPS study the changing landscape of U.S. National Parks. Learn more
Elena Shumilova's atmospheric photographs show a special bond between her sons Yaroslav and Vanya and their animals, on the family farm in rural Russia. Her images are deliberately dreamlike and highly evocative, capturing the bond between her young sons and their animal playmates. See gallery
When the Nokia Lumia 1520 was launched in October 2013 it was the first smartphone to offer Raw image capture. Now the same feature was recently added to the older model Lumia 1020. Our partners at DxOMark have put the Lumia 1020 through its Raw-based sensor testing. The results are worth checking out. Learn more on connect.dpreview.com.
Ricoh has released firmware version 3.00 for its GR compact camera. The list of updated features includes two options for folder name settings, ability to develop RAW images in different aspect ratios, and customization to assign various AFL Focus Settings to the AF button when the AF function switching lever is set to AEL/AFL (previously only Spot AF was available). Get the update
Phase One has announced the 'world's first CMOS-based digital camera back' - the 50MP IQ250. It uses a 44x33mm sensor - 68% larger in area than 35mm full frame -and promises the widest ISO range of any medium format camera system (100-6400). It sports a high-resolution 3.2" touchscreen for live view, playback and changing settings, and has built-in Wi-Fi. The IQ250 is available now, with prices starting at €24,990 / $34,990. Learn more.
Samyang Europe has introduced the SFH-14 filter holder for its 14mm 1:2.8 ED AS IF UMC lens. Along with the holder, three rectangular filters will be manufactured by Cokin. The SFH-14 will come in standard and V-DSLR cine versions. The holder comes with double slideways to use one or two filters at the same time and can be used both vertically and horizontally. Learn more
Fujifilm has filed a patent for an image sensor that uses a novel layout, with green and clear rectangular pixels which are larger in area than their neighboring blue and red pixels. The idea behind it is apparently to reduce luminance noise at the expense of color noise, on the grounds that the human eye is less sensitive to the latter. Learn more
We've come to the end of another week here at dpreview, and as our thoughts drift to weekend shooting opportunities, it's time to take things a little less seriously. Aaron Johnson's comic strip ‘What the Duck’ is just the thing, taking a gently satirical look through the lens of a photographically inclined waterfowl. You can find it published here (and in our newsletter) every week; we hope you enjoy it, and your weekend.
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