DxO Optics Pro Adds 118 New Lens/Camera Combinations
From DxO:
118 new lens / camera combinations have been added to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing support for Canon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Tamron lenses for Canon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax cameras.
To see supported and planned combinations, click on the link below then select the second tab.
The CZ.2 28-80/T2.9 can be seen for the first time at NAB Show in Las Vegas
OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 03.04.2013. Carl Zeiss presents its new zoom lenses from the Compact Family at the NAB Show 2013 (8-11 April) in Las Vegas at its booth C9043. Versatile, flexible and yet small and manageable – these are the characteristics that describe the Compact Zoom CZ.2 lenses. For the first time, the new CZ.2 28-80/T2.9 will be presented in the US. The Compact Zoom Family currently comprises the CZ.2 28-80/T2.9 and the CZ.2 70-200/T2.9; the latter won the prestigious iF product design award in February 2013.
The ZEISS Compact Zoom lenses weigh just 2.5 to 2.8 kilograms (5.5 to 6.2 pounds). “For cinema zoom lenses, that is very little. The light and compact design is ideal for hand-held and steadicam shooting,” explains Helmut Lenhof, Product Manager for the Compact Family in the Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. The lenses are suited for owner operators as well as episodic television series, documentary films, features and big-screen productions. Especially for shooting projects on a tight budget and time schedule, a ZEISS Compact Zoom lens is an extremely flexible solution. The zoom lens enables faster work and minimizes long set-up times.
Unlike zoom lenses for still photography, the ZEISS Compact Zoom cinema lenses each have three independently moveable zoom groups. This complex design prevents undesired focus shift and ensures optimal image quality. The lenses have a continuous high aperture of T2.9 over the entire zoom range.
Filmmakers can also look forward to a new shorter super wide-angle zoom lens designed for the owner-operator when the Compact Zoom series will expand to a family of three at the end of 2014. This new zoom lens will replace the Lightweight Zoom LWZ.2.
As members of the ZEISS Compact Family, the Compact Zoom CZ.2 lenses are the perfect complement to the fixed focal length Compact Prime CP.2 s well as other ZEISS cine-style lenses. Thanks to the exact color matching within the ZEISS cinema lens family, all lenses in this series can be combined flexibly with each other, with no visible deviations.
They cover full-frame format (24x36mm) and can therefore be used on HDSLR cameras, as well as professional HD video and cinema cameras. Being designed as full-frame lenses, they create a sweet spot effect and a uniformity of illumination when used on Super 35 sensors and are ‘future-proofed’ for next generation digital cinema cameras utilizing larger sensors.
Moreover, the interchangeable mount system makes it possible to use the lenses of the Compact Family on various camera models. The mounts currently available are for PL, EF, F, MFT and E. “Investing in this lens family is especially attractive for cinematographers and rental companies because the interchangeable mount also ensures the lenses’ long-term compatibility in the rapidly changing camera market. For all relevant future camera models, mounts will be available which the user can exchange very easily,” adds Lenhof.
Cinematographers can also rely on the quality features that ZEISS is known for: The T* anti-reflective coating and the internal stray light reduction eliminate bothersome light reflections.
All Compact Zoom CZ.2 lenses have the same front diameter of 95 mm. The large focus rotation angle of almost 300 degrees and the calibrated focus scales ensure comfortable handling. All lenses in the Compact Zoom Family correspond to 4K production standards and cover a resolution of 4096 x 2160 with no distortion.
Australian cinematographer Warwick Brown has already used the Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 for shooting a television production. “I have just finished shooting a dramatic short film using this lens and the Compact Prime CP.2 Super Speed lenses together. They are a real winning combination. The zoom is sharp and handles highlights beautifully.”
The delivery of the Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 began in early 2013. The Compact Zoom 28-80/T2.9 will be available starting July. Carl Zeiss authorized dealers are now accepting orders on both zoom lenses. The suggested list price of each Compact Zoom CZ.2 lens will be €14,900 or US$19,900 (excluding VAT).
The lead time for the Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 is currently six to seven months. A higher demand as expected led to these lead times. Carl Zeiss will increase its production capacities in order to reduce the lead time to three to four months.
Adobe Lightroom 4.4 and DNG Converter 7.4 Updates Available
From Adobe:
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.4
April 2, 2013 The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.4 update includes these enhancements:
Improved demosaic algorithm for better raw file support on cameras with X-Trans sensors. This includes the Fujifilm X-Pro1.
Additional camera support for 23 cameras including the Canon EOS 1D C, Nikon Coolpix A, and Samsung NX300.
Corrections and bug fixes for issues introduced in previous versions of Lightroom.
Download the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.4 Update: Windows | Macintosh
DNG Converter 7.4
April 2, 2013 This version of the DNG Converter supports over 20 new cameras including the Canon EOS 1D C, Nikon Coolpix A, and Samsung NX300. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.
Download the Adobe DNG Converter 7.4 Update: Windows | Macintosh
Datacolor Hosts Architectural Photography and Editing Webinar
From Datacolor:
Join us, Thursday, April 4th from 3PM-4PM EST, as Datacolor Experts David Saffir and C. David Tobie walk you through the issues they have encountered through their years of architectural rendering and photography and offer helpful techniques to be utilized.
Architectural photography offers accurate representation of a building or structure. Achieving this is often complex. Even though photographing interiors and exteriors can be similar, they do have some differences and may require different equipment.
Perspective and context issues may arise when photographing exteriors, while distortion issues may arise with interiors. Other issues may include scale, vignette, chromatic aberration and color accuracy. Technique is key. Helpful tips focusing on low light images, various HDR options, one-point and multi-point perspective versus elevation and isometric will be shared.
An interactive Q&A will take place throughout the webinar to answer any questions you may have.
One lucky webinar guest will win a free Spyder4PRO!
Title: Architectural Photography and Editing Date: Thursday, April 4, 2013 Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
Tamron Co., Ltd. (Morio Ono, President & CEO) announced today that it had established a new wholly owned subsidiary in India aimed at expanding sales organization to achieve higher sales volumes and improving every facet of the customer service.
Objective
India, being one of the major markets in the world that has posted significant growths in recent years, has been served by local distributors. In 2009, Tamron established a representative office in India to collect market information and initiated extensive research activities thereafter. To take it to the next phase, Tamron decided to establish a subsidiary to be prepared for further expansion of the market relating to interchangeable lenses for DSLR/mirror-less cameras, and optics for security/surveillance cameras. This is a major strategic move of the company to solidify its foothold in one of the fast growing markets in the world by broadening the customer base as well as enhancing the brand recognition.
Specifics of the plan
Company name
TAMRON INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
Address
Gurgaon (Suburbs of Delhi), Haryana, India
Representative
Nitin Goel, President & CEO
Principal Business
Marketing and service of optical products
Capital
28 Million Indian Rupee
Share Ratio
99.6% by Tamron Co., Ltd., 0.4% by Tamron Europe GmbH.
Update: Firmware upgrades for the Nikon D7000 and D3200 have been added.
From Nikon:
Nikon D600
This is the D600 C: 1.01 firmware upgrade download - Please review the information provided, and click the appropriate download link below.
Modifications enabled with this upgrade of firmware, release date April 2, 2013
Support for the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR has been added.
Subject tracking performance in AF-C (continuous-servo autofocus) autofocus mode with framing using the viewfinder has been improved.
Frame output size has been changed from 95% to 100% when movie live view display is changed to "Information off" and an HDMI-compatible device is connected.
An issue that caused the right edges of images to be somewhat white when captured at an Image area setting of DX (24x16) 1.5x with Active D-Lighting set to Off has been resolved.
When the camera's shutter-release button was pressed repeatedly for uninterrupted shooting with the "Record to:" option in Camera Control Pro 2's Storage tab set to "PC+CARD", the camera would stop responding with displaying "Err" in its control panel. This issue has been resolved.
In some very rare cases, colors would change with shooting when white balance was set to a specific color temperature, as with Preset manual or Choose color temp. This issue has been resolved.
This is the D800/D800E A:1.01 / B:1.02 firmware upgrade download - Please review the information provided, and click the appropriate download link below.
Modifications enabled with this upgrade of firmware, release date April 2, 2012
Support for the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR has been added.
Subject tracking performance in AF-C (continuous-servo autofocus) autofocus mode with framing using the viewfinder has been improved.
Gamut for Adobe RGB images displayed in the camera's monitor has been changed. This enables more vivid display of images.
With live view photography in [M] (Manual) exposure mode, exposure preview was always on. This issue has been resolved.
In some very rare cases when certain memory cards were used, movie recording would stop, even when the time remaining display indicated remaining recording time. This issue has been resolved.
With shooting at an image quality setting of TIFF (RGB) and an image size setting of Small, the right edge of images contained a purple line. This issue has been resolved.
In some rare cases, images recorded in JPEG format could not be opened by some software applications. This issue has been resolved.
In some very rare cases, colors would change with shooting when white balance was set to a specific color temperature, as with Preset manual or Choose color temp. This issue has been resolved.
Download the D800 A:1.01 / B:1.02 Firmware Upgrade: Windows | Macintosh Installation instructions (English, PDF): Windows | Macintosh
Download the D800EA:1.01 / B:1.02 Firmware Upgrade: Windows | Macintosh Installation instructions (English, PDF): Windows | Macintosh
Nikon D4
This is the D4 A:1.05 / B:1.03 firmware upgrade download - Please review the information provided, and click the appropriate download link below.
Modifications enabled with this upgrade of firmware, release date April 2, 2013
Support for the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR has been added.
Auto white balance performance has been improved.
Images are sharper and appear more three dimensional.
With live view photography in [M] (Manual) exposure mode, exposure preview was always on. This issue has been resolved.
With shooting at an image quality setting of TIFF (RGB) and an image size setting of Small, the right edge of images contained a purple line. This issue has been resolved.
In some rare cases, images recorded in JPEG format could not be opened by some software applications. This issue has been resolved.
In some very rare cases, colors would change with shooting when white balance was set to a specific color temperature, as with Preset manual or Choose color temp. This issue has been resolved.
Download the D4 A:1.05 / B:1.03 Firmware Upgrade: Windows | Macintosh Installation instructions (English, PDF): Windows | Macintosh
Nikon D3 / D3X / D3S / D7000
This is the D3 A:2.03 / B:2.03, D3X A:1.01 / B:1.02, D3S A:1.02 / B:1.02, and D7000 A:1.03 / B:1.04 firmware upgrade download - Please review the information provided, and click the appropriate download link below.
Modifications enabled with this upgrade of firmware, release date April 2, 2012
Support for the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR has been added.
Download the D3 A:2.03 / B:2.03 Firmware Upgrade: Windows | Macintosh Installation instructions (English, PDF): Windows | Macintosh
Download the D3X A:1.01 / B:1.02 Firmware Upgrade: Windows | Macintosh Installation instructions (English, PDF): Windows | Macintosh
Download the D3S A:1.02 / B:1.02 Firmware Upgrade: Windows | Macintosh Installation instructions (English, PDF): Windows | Macintosh
Download the D7000 A:1.03 / B:1.04 Firmware Upgrade: Windows | Macintosh Installation instructions (English, PDF): Windows | Macintosh
Nikon D3200
This is the D3200 C:1.01 firmware upgrade download - Please review the information provided, and click the appropriate download link below.
Modifications enabled with this upgrade of firmware, release date April 2, 2012
The following functions have been changed with shooting using the Wireless Mobile Utility.
When the camera's shooting mode is set to Auto or Auto (flash off), it now operates in Auto or Auto (flash off) mode. Prior to this upgrade, the camera functioned in [P] (Programmed auto) exposure mode.
Live view can now be initiated even when the camera is set to "Auto" or "No flash" in GUIDE mode.
In some very rare cases when certain memory cards were used, movie recording would stop, even when the time remaining display indicated remaining recording time. This issue has been resolved.
In some very rare cases, colors would change with shooting when white balance was set to a specific color temperature, as with Preset manual or Incandescent. This issue has been resolved.
I know this is a bit off-topic for a photography website, but it's no secret that I [Sean] love my Roku box. I use it every day to watch Netflix streaming, see a slideshow of Flickr's most interesting photos of the day, watch or listen to media content stored on my desktop computer (via Plex Media Server software), or simply relax to Pandora being played through my home entertainment system.
With this announcement, I can't help but wonder how Roku's latest technology might be adapted for use by photographers:
Would this be a good way to show someone a slideshow of your best images?
Could it be adapted for use by DSLR video shooters to preview videos or check focus peaking?
Roku Streaming Shades were designed with the on-the-move TV watcher in mind. Comfortable, silicone nose pads keep the lightweight frame securely in place on even the smallest-featured of faces. Our industrial designers worked side-by-side with fashion designers to create a frame that looks smart wherever you want to watch a movie secretly, whether it’s a dull work presentation or your child’s piano recital.
Simple voice commands put you in control of Roku Streaming Shades. “OK, shades, play next Breaking Bad on Netflix” will start the next episode of the gritty, award-winning drama on the built-in glass prism display (a mere 3 cm from your eyes).
Roku Streaming Shades will support over 100 Roku channels at launch, with more to be added. Video is the star. Our research shows that users don’t want to use head-mounted displays to send text messages to people 10 feet away, learn the length of the Brooklyn Bridge or creep friends out by live casting a party. They want to veg out to marathon sessions of Homeland.
Two models of Roku Streaming Shades will be available:
Roku Streaming Shades – Plastic frames in tortoise shell, mulberry or onyx. Up to 720p video. 801.11 a/b/g/n. Bluetooth 4.0.
Roku Streaming Shades XS – Aluminum frames in ultramarine, persimmon, cornsilk or dust storm. Up to 1080p video. 801.11 a/b/g/n (801.11n in 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz. GSM/EDGE, LTE connections (data plan $50/month for 50GB from to-be-announced wireless carrier). Bluetooth 4.0.
Both models support voice commands via a built-in microphone and audio output with speakers and a stereo headphone mini-jack. A mini bluetooth Roku remote makes it simple to skip songs on Pandora when you don’t want to appear to be talking to yourself. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 10 hours of video streaming bliss.
An accelerometer and a three-axis gyroscope make it possible to play Roku games with natural head motions – just keep an eye out for curbs and oncoming traffic. Both models come with Angry Birds Star Wars free.
Use your Streaming Shades with the recently announced Roku 3 player for seamless video viewing. If you walk in the door halfway through an episode of Game of Thrones on your Streaming Shades, simply command “Okay, shades, send show to TV” to finish up on your Roku 3.
Roku Streaming Shades ($399.99) and Roku Streaming Shades XS ($499.99) will be available on Roku.com, Amazon.com and other major online retailers beginning April 31.
For those of you who live, breathe and eat technology, Roku Streaming Shades are the new way to ensure that nature, social events and family don’t get in the way of watching your favorite shows 24/7. It’s TV time. Anytime and ANYWHERE.
THK Photo Products, Inc based in Huntington Beach, CA will formally change it's corporate name to Kenko Tokina USA, Inc effective April 01, 2013.
THK Photo Products, Inc is the USA authorized importer and distributor of Tokina lenses, Hoya filters, Slik tripods and Kenko photo accessories. The company is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Kenko Tokina Co, Ltd of Tokyo Japan. THK Photo Products, Inc is executing this official name change to align itself with the parent company's global marketing strategy.
Mr. Yasumi Suga, president of THK Photo products comments, "We have seen tremendous growth in our core brands over the last 37 years. We are excited about the name change to Kenko Tokina USA because it best reflects our company's identity. As we continue to grow our brands moving forward, this name change will allow our customers to easily identify our company and the brands we distribute.”
Operating as Kenko Tokina USA, Inc, the company will continue to promote, distribute and service it's core brands of products in the USA.
Note: By all accounts, this appears to be a legitimate news story today.
I [Roger Cicala] was able to talk with Dr. Eno Lirpa, one of the optical physicists on the Baceolus team, about their new sensors.
“When looked at from a physics point of view, current sensor technology is just a foolish design”, Lirpa says. “You give away so much resolution just to detect color. It’s just not necessary. Every photon already carries a color message.”
Every first-year physics student learns the simple formula E = hc/ ? where E equals photon energy and ? it’s wavelength. If you know a photon’s energy it’s simple to calculate wavelength and therefore determine the photon’s color.
For example, blue light, with a wavelength of 400nm has an energy of 3 electron volts per photon, while 700nm wavelength red light has an energy level of 1.77 electron volts, and green light 2.43.
“It’s a fairly simple engineering matter to measure a photon’s energy as it strikes the camera sensor, but everyone has been so focused on cramming more megapixels onto the chip,” Lirpa continues. “There hasn’t been much interest in adding additional technologies to the chip.”
There is no Bayer array over a Baceolus sensor. Other manufacturers have used new back-illuminated sensor technology to move the wiring behind the actual photosensor, rather than in front of the sensor.
Baceolus goes one step further. They’ve taken advantage of a back illuminated sensor to place energy sensing circuitry in front of each photo well. A simple calculation converts energy level to wavelength, determining that photon’s color
New RØDE i16 Offers 360º Surround Recording for iOS Devices
From RØDE:
RØDE has announced the i16, a surround sound microphone for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that combines sixteen discrete microphone capsules to capture the user’s surrounding audio environment in broadcast quality.
RØDE’s iXY stereo microphone for iOS devices was released in January, and has already gained critical praise from both musical and mainstream media, including a recent Red Dot product award.
The company is quickly emerging as the leader in microphones for Apple’s portable devices, and the i16 aims to consolidate this reputation.
RØDE’s founder and president, Peter Freedman, explains: “When developing the iXY we were focussed on providing the ultimate in stereo audio capture for iOS devices. But during the project it became that there was a large proportion of the market who wanted to record in complete surround. We’ve taken that seriously and produced the i16.”
The new microphone uses RØDE’s own field recording app, RØDE Rec, to record the sixteen tracks simultaneously at quality up to 24-bit/96kHz.
At the heart of the i16 is an incredible sixteen individual gold-sputtered cardioid condenser capsules, which allows the user a high amount of freedom to record in either surround, stereo, mono, or anywhere in between.
“Once the user records the surrounding environment, software processing inside RØDE Rec will allow them to cancel background noise through phase manipulation of the other channels, working much in the same way as noise-cancelling headphones.” explained Mr Freedman. “In this way the i16 is even more effective at recording dialogue than a traditional shotgun microphone.”
Once the user records the surrounding environment they can then use that track to phase cancel any background noise, very much like noise-cancelling headphones. This results in highly intelligible dialogue and crystal-clear audio.
The i16 is available with both Apple Lightning (iPhone 5, iPad mini) and 30-pin connections. Both are shipping now, with a MSRP of US$399.
Thanks for all your great entries. YouTube finally has enough videos to begin selecting a winner. What do you think is the #bestvideo on YouTube?
We've been thrilled with all of the diverse, creative entries we've seen so far, and we can't wait to begin the process of selecting the best video. We'll be announcing the winner in 10 years.
"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending March 30th, 2013.
In the news...
On Monday, Profoto announced the release of a new product – the AcuteB Two-Head Split Cable. As the product’s name implies, the cable allows you to connect two flash heads to a single battery pack. The product manager at Profoto noted, “This is admittedly an uncomplicated product, but sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.”
On Tuesday, we reported on a 16 Gigapixel panoramic image of Machu Picchu, an Incan-built site nestled in the mountains of Peru. Using a Canon 7D, EF 100-400mm lens, and a Gigapan camera mount, photographer Jeff Cremer captured 1,920 images to create the world’s highest resolution image of the historic landmark. If you’re a fan of the “Where’s Waldo” games, then see if you can find the photographer within the 16 gigapixel image.
On Wednesday, Sigma announced a delay in the release of its 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM lens as well as its USB Dock. Apparently, a delay in procuring manufacturing parts led to release dates being pushed back.
On Thursday, we linked to a Gizmodo article explaining Panasonic’s new filter technology that could revolutionize low-light photography. Instead of using red, green, and blue filters over every pixel, the new technology uses vertically aligned color splitters. Color splitters have proven to be significantly more efficient in allowing light to hit the sensor – and more light hitting the sensor ultimately leads to better image quality in low-light conditions.
In site news and reviews...
On Monday, Bryan added a new gallery to the site containing images from his recent Hawaii trip. The gallery contains 30 images with subjects ranging from bamboo to green sand beaches, and just about everything else in-between. Be sure to check out the captions on each image where Bryan left helpful tips for those planning a photographic paradise getaway.
On Wednesday, Bryan recounted the story of his lost Canon T4i – and how it had a happy ending. The bottom line is – be sure to include contact information in your camera bag. If you’re lucky, an honest stranger will contact you if they find your misplaced gear.
On Thursday, Bryan announced that most lenses have now been tested with the Canon 60D and are available on the site’s ISO Resolution Chart Comparison Tool. Bryan also noted that there are now 25,344 crops from 8,448 test images available for review on the site.
DateTime: 3/29/2013 12:24:09 PM CT Posted By: Sean
March 31st is World Backup Day
"World Backup Day" is this Sunday. As a photographer, you cherish your photos - but have you done enough to protect them? While we like to think that our devices and hard drives are reliable, they will eventually fail. When it comes to protecting your images (or other important files), redundancy, distance and discipline are your friend.
Redundancy - Make several copies of your most important data.
Distance - Always store at least one backup in a different geographic location than your original data. For instance, use an online cloud storage backup service. Else, send a backup portable hard drive to a family member who lives a comfortable distance away from you.
"Researchers at Panasonic's imaging division have found a way to increase the sensitivity of digital camera sensors, which in turn equates to almost double the brightness in photos taken in low light conditions. But the discovery has nothing to do with the sensor itself; instead, the company's improved the color processing filter placed in front of it..."
DateTime: 3/28/2013 12:29:19 PM CT Posted By: Sean
Transcend Unveils New 64GB microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
From Transcend:
Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend®), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced the introduction of the 64GB microSDXC Ultra-High Speed Class 1 (UHS-I) memory card. With enough space to carry an entire collection of personal media files, the new 64GB microSDXC card also features high-speed transfer rates of up to 45MB/s (300x); perfect for users aiming to get the best performance results from their mobile device.
Featuring capacities ranging from 8GB to an enormous 64GB, Transcend's Premium Series microSDHC/SDXC UHS-I memory card lineup allows smartphone, tablet, and other portable device users to significantly expand their multimedia storage space. The new 64GB microSDXC card, for instance, can store more than 10,000 high-resolution jpeg images (12 megapixel camera, 6MB file size), a full 16 hours of 1080p High-Definition footage (1920x1080 9Mbps H.264 AVC compression), or over 1,200 media-rich mobile apps (50MB file size).
In addition to large capacity, mobile users consider fast performance to be an equally important factor when choosing the best memory upgrade solution. Equipped with the next-generation UHS-I interface, the 64GB microSDXC UHS-I card offers data transfer speeds of up to 45MB/s (300x) – especially noticeable when running memory-intensive mobile apps and capturing high-quality video. With its impressive combination of high-speed performance and vast storage capacity, the 64GB microSDXC UHS-I memory card will undoubtedly satisfy mobile users for a very long time.
For added value, each Transcend UHS-I memory card includes a free download of Transcend’s own RecoveRx™ software – an extraordinarily effective tool for bringing back accidentally deleted or lost files. Transcend’s new 64GB microSDXC UHS-I card is now available for a suggested price of US$109 and carries Transcend’s renowned Lifetime Warranty.
Through March 31, use promotion code 3PG14S2L at DigitalRev to get $15.00 off any DSLR camera purchase.
Note: Amount will differ depending on regional currency. To use the promotion code, click on "Received a Gift Card?" during checkout and paste the code into the textbox.
Canon and Nikon Rebate Progams Scheduled to End Soon
Both Canon and Nikon's rebate programs are scheduled to end this Saturday, March 30th. If one of these items is on your wishlist, now might be a good time to add it to your cart!