I've been using The Photographer's Ephemeris for several years now and it's one of the most useful photography apps I've found. By the looks of it, the app is getting even better. I'm hoping an Android version is not too far down the pipeline. When the iOS app launches, you'll be able to find it here. [Sean]
From The Photographer's Ephemeris:
The Photographer's Ephemeris 3D (TPE 3D) is a unique natural light visualization tool for outdoor and landscape photographers. It’s a 3D map-centric Sun, Moon and Milky Way calculator: see how the light will fall on the land, day or night, for any location on earth.
Watch a sunrise from the future in a rich simulation of sunlight, moonlight and starlight set against the actual topography of your planned shooting location.
Need to see when the arch of the Milky Way will rise between two mountain peaks? Need to see what time in the afternoon the valley will lose direct light in September? Watch the light unfold under clear skies hours, days, weeks or years before you’re actually there in person.
Availability
We plan to soft launch TPE 3D in select markets (including Ireland and New Zealand) on Tuesday, June 20 2017.
We expect to make the app available worldwide on Tuesday, June 27.
TPE 3D requires iOS 10. It runs on all devices that support iOS 10, but more modern devices benefit from higher detail in the 3D topography and higher resolution shadows and stars.
Pricing
We plan to launch TPE 3D as a paid app, selling individually for $19.99 in the US ($30.99, Australia, 21,99 € Eurozone, £19.99 UK, based on current Apple pricing tiers).
A bundle will be available making TPE 3D available to users who already own TPE and/or The Photographer' Transit at reduced price. The bundle will launch at $24.99 in the US, for all three apps.
That means that if you have already paid $8.99 for TPE, you can purchase the bundle to add TPE 3D and TPT for $16.00. If you already own both TPE and TPT, you can complete your bundle for $12.00, representing a 40% discount off full price for TPE 3D.
(All pricing is subject to change.)
We expect to offer a pro subscription for future enhancements such as satellite maps and full offline support.
From Adobe:
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) today reported financial results for its second quarter fiscal year 2017 ended June 2, 2017.
Financial Highlights
A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP results is provided at the end of this press release and on Adobe’s website.
Executive Quotes
“Digital transformation continues to be the burning agenda for creative professionals, enterprises, governments and educational institutions,” said Shantanu Narayen, president and CEO, Adobe. “Adobe is the go-to company for creating world-class digital customer journeys from design to delivery to measurement and monetization.”
“Adobe continues to execute well, with another quarter of record revenue and operating profit in Q2," said Mark Garrett, executive vice president and CFO, Adobe. “We're excited about the strong business momentum we have as we enter the second half of fiscal 2017 and remain confident in our ability to drive strong revenue and earnings growth in the future.”
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.
From Gitzo:
Upper Saddle River, N.J. (June 19, 2017) - Gitzo, a pioneer in many of the most advanced, revolutionary technologies for professional camera equipment, is celebrating one hundred years of outstanding innovation and technological leadership by launching an exclusive magnesium limited-edition travel tripod - the 100 Year Anniversary Edition.
Gitzo initiated the travel tripod era, creating products designed to be companions for life. The world’s most inspirational brand of tripods and heads is celebrating its first centenary of tradition, innovation and expertise that have made it a beacon of excellence in the photographic world. No other manufacturer has so consistently broken the boundaries of possibility, passionately devising and producing the means through which photographers turn vision into reality.
To mark the occasion, Gitzo has launched the new 100Y “DEFINING TOMORROW” logo, referencing infinity and the creations the company has yet to roll out.
The innovative 100 Year Anniversary Edition Tripod is not just a celebratory photography support. It is the ultimate high-performance professional tool featuring unique design and the very latest technology. This highly desirable flagship product will be available worldwide in an exclusive limited edition of just 1917 pieces, referencing Gitzo’s year of foundation, with the number of each piece laser engraved on one leg (1/1917 to 1917/1917).
The 100 Year Anniversary Edition Tripod introduces a brand-new magnesium spider, emphasized by a black finish and titanium color details that make this model outstandingly stylish. It has Gitzo’s latest Traveler Series 1 technological features, including state-of-the-art Carbon eXact tubing and 180° leg folding mechanism for the ultimate strength, the Traveler G-lock mechanism, making it compact, strong and ergonomic, together with a brand-new Center Ball Head for superior smoothness and precision. Moreover, the limited-edition tripod features an ergonomic strap made of genuine Italian leather with a carbon fiber look for extreme comfort in use.
The 100 Year Anniversary Edition Tripod is presented in a highly refined, black branded chest with leather detailing containing the tripod and its accessories, the tripod’s certificate of authenticity signed by Gitzo’s CEO, and includes the name of the craftsman who created each specific piece.
Key features:
The 100 Year Anniversary Edition is available for $1,499.99 in the U.S. and is exclusive to select dealers.
B&H has the Gitzo 100 Year Anniversary Edition Tripods available for preorder.
From Zeiss:
The tenth lens in the ZEISS Milvus series for DSLR cameras already shows its many benefits at full aperture
OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2017-06-21 – ZEISS has launched a new lens for full-frame DSLR cameras from Canon1 and Nikon2 on the market: the ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35. Now the tenth lens in the Milvus family, the ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 is particularly suitable for portrait photography thanks to its speed. "The high maximum aperture enables the subject to stand out clearly against the background, and the photographer can achieve creative combinations of focus and blur," says Christophe Casenave, Product Manager at ZEISS. "The manual focus enables very exact focusing, and the creamy bokeh provides an excellent image look. And even at full aperture the image quality leaves nothing to be desired.” The ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 is also perfectly at home in landscape photography: "The 35-millimeter focal length is a genuine all-rounder." Like all lenses in the ZEISS Milvus family, it is protected against dust and splashes and, according to Casenave, even bad weather is no problem. The metal barrel gives the lens its robust and durable character.
Practically no chromatic aberrations thanks to a new optical design
With aspherical lens elements, special glass materials and advanced correction, ZEISS has given the lens a completely new optical design. “This means the photos are practically free from chromatic aberrations," says Casenave. Thanks to their excellent edge-to-edge imagery the ZEISS Milvus lenses are designed for high-performance digital cameras. "The resolutions of camera sensors are constantly becoming higher, and this also increases the demands made on the lenses. For ZEISS Milvus lenses this is no problem. They are a solid investment in the future."
Also suitable for filming
The ten lenses in the ZEISS Milvus family, ranging between 15 and 135 millimeters, are also suitable for film productions: the manual focus with a large rotation angle can be operated with the aid of a ZEISS Lens Gear with a follow-focus system. The de-click function allows the aperture to be set continuously in the version for Nikon3 cameras. A further benefit for filming: ZEISS has matched the color characteristics of the ten lenses. Filmmakers can therefore switch between the focal lengths and still have a uniform color look. "This facilitates editing enormously," says Casenave.
Price and availability
The ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 will be available from specialist dealers and in the ZEISS Online Shop from July 2017. The recommended retail price is 1,999 euros.
Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/1.4 Preorders:
B&H – Canon | Nikon
Adorama – Canon | Nikon
B&H has just added three more videos to its Optic 2017 presentations on YouTube. The latest three videos include:
Previously Posted Optic 2017 Presentations
From Profoto:
There is certainly something airy and graceful about the Hollywood Golden Age and Chris Knight is one of the few photographers that can transfer the sensation of celluloid and silver to a modern-day photo shoot. Here Chris explains how to create grand and cinematic portraits using the Profoto D1 and a set of Profoto umbrellas.
Gear Used:
Have you ever wondered what kinds of Lightroom adjustments were made to an image you found online? Now, there may be an easy way to find out.
Assuming that the JPEG image in question was saved with all EXIF information intact, a website called Pixel Peeper can display the camera and lens used, exposure settings and exactly what types of adjustments were made to that specific image in Lightroom.
I loaded a few images into the tool and it seemed to work as advertised. Give it a try and see what you think. [Sean]
by Sean Setters
Here's a seemingly simple question – "What is your camera's image resolution?"
Before you answer, let me warn you. If you're simply going to recite the "Effective Pixels" value listed in your camera's specifications, you'll be incorrect. Your camera's advertised resolution is different than the resolution of the recorded images. In fact, your camera's image resolution is a little lower than the widely accepted value.
Want proof? Multiply the pixel dimensions of your camera's highest image resolution setting and compare it to the advertised camera resolution. For convenience, I'll list a few examples below.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Image Dimensions: 6720 x 4480
6720 x 4480 = 30,105,600 pixels (30.11 MP)
Stated Resolution: 30.4 MP
Canon EOS 80D
Image Dimensions: 6000 x 4000
6000 x 4000 = 24,000,000 pixels (24.00 MP)
Stated Resolution: 24.2 MP
Nikon D810
Image Dimensions: 7360 x 4912
7360 x 4912 = 36,152,320 pixels (36.15 MP)
Stated Resolution: 36.3 MP
Sony a7R II
Image Dimensions: 7952 x 5304
7952 x 5304 = 42,177,408 pixels (42.18 MP)
Stated Resolution: 42.4 MP
Are you seeing a pattern here?
Before I explain why the maximum image resolution is slightly smaller than the advertised effective pixels resolution, it's important to first understand the difference between the total and effective pixel specs. The term "total pixels" refers to the total number of pixels found on the sensor. The term "effective pixels" refers to a subset of the total pixels which fall within the image area.
So the area outside the portion of the sensor used for recording the image accounts for the difference between the total pixels and the effective pixels. But, the question remains: What is the reason for a discrepancy between the advertised effective pixels and the actual number of pixels in the image?
The answer is that manufacturers use specially allocated pixels within the image area to aid in noise reduction, dark noise cancellation and other various image processing tasks. These pixels are not recorded in the final image, but can enhance the quality of the final image. Thus, the difference between the effective pixels value and number of pixels found in the final image equals the total number of specially allocated pixels used for the various processing tasks.
The next time someone sees one of your images and asks, "How many megapixels is it?", don't recite your camera's advertised resolution but instead pull out your calculator to give them the precise answer.
That said, does the difference really matter?
What do you think? Were you surprised? Let us know in the comments.
From Macphun:
The Accent AI Filter is part of new Luminar Neptune – a major update to Macphun’s best-selling photo software.
San Diego, CA – June 15, 2017 – Macphun, the California-based developer known for making complex photo editing simple and user-friendly, today launched the update to its award-winning photo editor Luminar.
The most significant innovation in Luminar Neptune is a new photo filter powered by the artificial intelligence technology developed in-house by Macphun’s Research and Development Lab. The new Accent AI Filter allows anyone to create stunning images with a single slider instead of using dozens of adjustments and controls. It takes just a second and one swoosh of a slider to remarkably improve a photo.
The Accent AI Filter in Luminar uses artificial intelligence to analyze different areas of an image based on its structure, objects, dark and light zones, colors and other parameters. As a user moves the slider, the filter intelligently and automatically “understands” what each area on the photo is lacking and improves it. Moving the slider can also adjust the intensity of changes, making the picture look more natural or revealing a more dramatic look, depending on the desired effect.
To put it simply: the Accent AI Filter in Luminar is a substitute for dozens of traditional controls like shadows, highlights, contrast, tone, saturation, exposure, details and many others. It eliminates tedious manual editing for hobbyists who want superb quick results and creates a fantastic foundation for further advanced image manipulation for pro photographers.
“Our mission to make complex photo editing tasks simple and fun led the team at our R&D Lab to explore Artificial Intelligence technology for image enhancement,” said Kevin La Rue, Vice-President at Macphun. “The Accent AI Filter emerged as a ground-breaking way to make perfect images instantly, incorporating the power of dozens of filters into one convenient tool.
This is something other photo software is missing; and what’s more important, it’s something that all photographers will greatly benefit from,” concluded La Rue.
Luminar Neptune also introduces a new workspace called Quick & Awesome?. As the name implies, the workspace consists of 3 essential filters which quickly create fantastic results: the aforementioned Accent AI Filter, Saturation & Vibrance and Clarity. Using the Accent AI Filter gives users amazing instant results, however if there is still fine-tuning to be done, the other two filters can quickly help improve the photo without any extra effort.
Luminar Neptune includes many other updates: plug-in integration with Aurora HDR 2017 and Creative Kit allows users to seamlessly access their favorite features from Macphun’s other products. Faster masking/brushing?, an improved Vignette filter and better memory management? are among other notable changes.
The latest update of Luminar is available for Mac only. In July however, Macphun will be launching a “public beta” of Luminar for PC to give Windows users the first taste of the powerful all-in-one photo editor for creating bold images in minutes.
To stay current with the latest news, and to sign up for access to beta test versions when available, visit https://macphun.com/pc.
New feature highlights in Luminar Neptune:
Pricing (with coupon code "THEDIGITALPICTURE")
$49 / 49€ / £46 / AU$69 for anyone who already owns Macphun photo software
$59 / 59€ / £55 / AU$84 for all new users
Free trials are available at macphun.com/luminar.
From 4:00 - 6:00pm Eastern Time this evening, B&H is hosting "Understanding Solar Photography with Christopher Witt and Todd Vorenkamp," a live panel discussion aimed at helping you get the most out of the upcoming total solar eclipse (August 21).
From B&H:
The world of solar photography is beautiful yet complicated. As humans we’ve had a natural inclination to look skyward and wondered what we could learn from the mysterious points of light. Those stellar stars, have driven the engine of curiosity that has led humans to build civilizations, plant our crops and guide sea wary sailors back to port. Because of this, we have a better idea of how the universe works. At B&H we want to inspire our customers to again look skyward and record your findings for future generation to learn from and enjoy. The B&H Event Space is happy to host Christopher Witt and Todd Vorenkamp who will not only inspire but really break down the world of astrophotography, whether you have questions about which filters one would use for certain shooting conditions, or which mount will work for your camera. They’ll make sure you are out shooting the stars in no time.B&H also carries solar photography and eye protection equipment.
B&H has posted a number of its Optic 2017 presentations to YouTube including:
B&H has been releasing videos periodically, and it looks like there are still several to come (6, I believe).
From Canon:
Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes
Download:
Canon EOS EOS 5Ds Firmware v.1.1.1
Canon EOS EOS 5Ds R Firmware v.1.1.1
B&H carries the Canon EOS 5Ds and 5Ds R DSLR cameras.
From Nikon:
Nikon Commemorative Products Now Available for Order
MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Corporation announced the release of commemorative products and special collection items celebrating the company’s 100th Anniversary, which takes place on July 25, 2017. Authorized Nikon retailers will be accepting orders for these commemorative products and special collection items starting today, June 15 through August 31, 2017.
The commemorative editions of these Nikon models were developed specifically to show the company’s appreciation to all the photographers, creators and customers around the world. These special edition products reflect the tradition, innovation and advanced technologies that Nikon has cultivated over the past 100 years. In addition to these commemorative models, a special collection of unique items will also be released.
Nikon D5 and Nikon D500 100th Anniversary Editions:
The Nikon D5, Nikon's flagship FX-format digital SLR camera, is available in a dark metallic gray finish and displays an engraving on the bottom noting Nikon’s contribution to the study and exploration of space. An anniversary booklet detailing Nikon’s contributions to space exploration is also included. The 100th Anniversary Edition Nikon D500 comes with an exclusive metal case, where the commemorative logo and serial number are engraved. The case also contains a commemorative body cap and embossed leather strap. The Special Edition D5 and D500 will be sold for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $7,999.95* and $2,799.95*, respectively.
NIKKOR and Binocular 100th Anniversary Editions:
The NIKKOR Triple f/2.8 Zoom Lens Set features three f/2.8 maximum aperture zoom lenses that truly embody the NIKKOR brand name. The set is comprised of the “three big dragons”, best known as the wide-angle AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, the medium AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR, and the telephoto AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lenses. The NIKKOR Special Edition lens set will be sold for a SRP of $7,999.95*.
A commemorative edition of the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR will also be available, and comes with a display of individual glass elements that make up the internal workings of the lens, as well as a special stand and case. This lens will be sold for an SRP of $3,999.95*.
The WX 7×50 IF and WX 10×50 IF binoculars are commemorative models which offer incredibly wide fields of view that are clear and sharp all the way to its edges. A special logo is printed on the bottom of the binocular's central shaft, and an exclusive serial number is stamped on the top. In addition to the standard strap supplied with the binoculars, the models will come with a WX leather strap pressed with the commemorative logo. These special editions of the WX 7x50 IF and WX 10x50 IF binoculars, will be sold for $5,999.95* SRP and $6,399.95* SRP, respectively.
The classically designed Nikon 8×30E II, is considered to be one of Nikon’s most popular binocular models. Its 63.2° apparent field of view is realistic, and the application of a multilayer film coating to all lens and prism surfaces ensures that the field of view is bright and clear. The commemorative edition has an exclusive metallic gray finish and a printed logo on the strap and case. These limited edition binoculars will be sold for a SRP of $799.95*.
100th Anniversary Special Collection Items:
In addition to Nikon 100th Anniversary products, Nikon has also announced the availability of several special collectible items. Nikon partnered with Swarovski***, the world's leading crystal manufacturer, to create an elegant crystal reproduction of the Nikon Model I, specifically designed by the team at Swarovski for a $1,499.95* SRP, available exclusively through the Nikon Store.
Nikon will also offer a collection of lapel pins that represent the company’s most historic and popular products, as well as the corporate logo for $269.95* SRP. Additionally, Nikon will be offering premium camera straps made of Italian leather for a SRP of $99.95*. Additionally, Nikon will have 100th Anniversary Miniature Nikon F Camera available for a SRP of $139.95*.
U.S. Market Specific Nikon 100th Anniversary Commemorative Products and Special Collection Items:
To further celebrate Nikon’s history, Nikon Inc. has produced premium vintage t-shirts showcasing one of Nikon’s most iconic past logos (NIPPON KOGAKU). These shirts will be available for purchase beginning on July 25, 2017 for a SRP of $24.95* on nikonusa.com.
Additionally, Nikon Inc. has produced a series of 10 limited edition camera posters showcasing some of the iconic cameras created throughout Nikon’s history. These posters, measuring 19.5” x 19.5” inches, are matted and framed to a size of 23.5” x 23.5” and will be hand-numbered and available as a limited edition; only 100 numbered posters will be produced for each design. Pricing will be $150 SRP* per framed poster, and will be available sometime in July, 2017 through nikonusa.com in partnership with Level Frames.
Lastly, Nikon Inc. will be producing a 100th Anniversary premium leather camera bag in partnership with the ONA brand. These premium bags are made with genuine leather and will have the 100th anniversary and Nikon logos embossed. These bags will go on sale on July 25, 2017 and will be available for an SRP of $399.95*.
For more information including pricing and further details about Nikon’s 100th Anniversary commemorative products and special collection items, please visit www.nikonusa.com/100th.
B&H has many of the Nikon 100th Anniversary Commemorative Products available for preorder.
B&H is stating that its Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art preorders will go live June 22 at 1am ET.
From the TamronVids YouTube Channel:
Watch the process of Tamron’s industry-leading 3-business day repair service. Tamron USA took dramatic steps to increase the number of repair technicians that work on photographic lenses as well as customer service staff. Internal systems were changed to accommodate the inspection of lenses received by noon of each day and route the lenses to the proper technician for expert repair. Repaired lenses are then given top priority in the distribution center to ensure the product is on its way back to the customer within the established guidelines.
B&H carries Tamron lenses.