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Photokina 2018: hands-on with eight stylish new bags https://ift.tt/2xOt2KH Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018Photokina 2018 was one heck of a year for new cameras and lens launches, but it also saw the launch of an impressive number of new camera backpacks and bags. We combed the tradeshow floor to get hands-on with some of the more stylish and technically sophisticated packs, from affordable to premium. Shown above: the new Bristol DayPack 600+ from Cullman. Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018First up is Lowepro's ProTactic AW II. As the name implies, this is the second iteration of the original ProTactic – version two adds more padding and better protection for your gear, plus more areas to attach stuff. The backpack comes in the larger 450-series, shown above and the smaller 350-series – the former fits a 15" laptop, the later a 13". The larger pack has room for two bodies and plenty of lenses, the smaller one should be able to also fit two bodies and a few lenses. Both packs offer dual side access for gear, two quick straps on the front (with a 'foot' to carry a tripod), a waist strap with utility pouch, rain cover and a super comfortable back panel. The ProTactic line represents Lowepro's most rugged, professional packs and as such, they don't come at a cheap price. We're told the 450-series will retail for about $270 and the 350-series $220. Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018Next up is ThinkTank's new Retrospective V2.0 bags. Available in a total of six different sizes, these soft camera bags feature classic styling. They're also coated in polyurethane to protect gear from the elements but ship with an additional rain cover just in case you find yourself in a torrential downpour. But probably the coolest feature of these bags is the zippered opening under the main flap which offers protection from thieves and pickpockets. Prices vary by bag size, but the Retrospective 7 V2.0, shown above, retails for around $165. It fits a DSLR, several lenses and a 13" laptop. Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018Cullman launched 4 new camera bag lines at Photokina including the stylish Bristol series shown here, which comes in both daypack and shoulder bag varieties. The daypack in particular caught our eye because of its classic look. It features a side-zippered opening for quick access and an expandable top compartment. There's also a padded laptop compartment and water bottle holder. This pack is obviously more geared to enthusiast and casual users rather than pros, but it seems as versatile for every day use as it is handsome. No word on pricing just yet. Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018Tamrac launched a new line of hip-looking shoulder packs in the Bushwhick series (yes, like in Brooklyn). They're available in 3 sizes, with the Buswhick 6 – shown above – being the largest of them. It can hold an average sized DSLR/mirrorless camera with lens attached plus one additional lens and some accessories. The exterior features metal buckles and weatherized coating to protect from the elements. There's also a zippered compartment on front for other odds and ends. The Tamrac Bushwhick 6 retails for $150. Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018Compagnon is a relatively new bag brand. I hadn't heard of them prior to Photokina because they are still working out US distribution, but you can find their packs sold by some US retailers. The Explorer pack, shown here, is a collaboration between Compagnon and backpack brand Deuter. It offers an expandable roll-top section for personal items and a large lower section for camera gear with padded dividers. The bag features a side zipper for easy access, tripod straps, a water resistant construction and a padded back panel that looks extremely comfortable. It's available in 16 L and 25 L – no word on pricing yet, but if other Compagnon packs are any indication, expect it to cost a pretty penny ($500+). Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018Peak Design just finished its Kickstarter campaign for the new 45L Travel backpack. We've previously seen a prototype of the bag, but this is the first time we've laid eyes on a retail-ready model and it looks very impressive. The packs offer lots of features like a weatherproof nylon canvas shell, rugged bottom liner, luggage pass-through, rear and side access, laptop compartment, luggage handles and lots of organization pockets. It can also be expanded or contracted to fit 35L or 45L worth of stuff. The backpack is being sold alongside a line of smaller organizational 'cubes,' sold separately. The bag itself will be available sometime in November and retail for $300. Hands-on: New camera bags from Photokina 2018ONA makes some absolutely lovely shoulder bags. For Photokina, the company teamed up with Japan Camera Hunter to release a very limited addition bag called ONA x Japan Camera Hunter Bowery camera bag. Only 230 of which will be made, each with individual numbering on inside. The bag's main feature is dedicated film pockets on the inside and elastic film holders on the bag strap. You can read more about this collaborative bag here. And if you feel so inclined, you can pick one up for $200 on ONA's Website. Photography News via Dpreview https://ift.tt/i0r8o5 September 29, 2018 at 08:06AM
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Quick Tip: Having Troubles to Open RAW files? DNG Files Might Help You https://ift.tt/2xWx7vH Right after changing my DSLR setup to a more compact yet complete set up I found out that my current version of Lightroom wasn't opening my RAW files. My first option was to convert my RAW files (that are *.RAF) to DNG files, and everything went smoothly. A couple of days after that I upgraded my version of Lightroom and it was able to read my files. The guys at Adobe came up with this friendly solution of standardizing RAW files into one single and universal file that could be open by their software. The solution was called DNG Conversion, and it basically transforms your RAW files into DNG files. You can download the software for free here. What Does DNG Stand For?So, DNG stands for Digital Negative, how awesome is that? After a lot of work, they developed a way of transforming any RAW file into one standard file, and since RAW files are basically the purest files your camera's sensor can create, it makes sense to see them as negatives, just like from the film era. No matter the RAW file, they promise to transform them into one universal file. Is DNG Still RAW?Some people would say no, but Adobe states that yeah, they are indeed RAW files and that they suffer no information loss during the process. I have made my own tests (I'm not an engineer BTW – so it is just me) and they seem similar to me. Unlike RAW files, DNG files can be opened easily without any extra plugins or upgrades (besides the DNG converter). A couple of months ago, when we started developing RAW files in my Photography 102 class in the University, a couple of students couldn't manage to open their RAW files from Nikon (*.NEF) and we easily opened them by turning them into DNG files. These kids are studying Graphic Design so they have a very keen eye, and they were absolutely happy with the results. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using A DNG File?I have found that robust RAW files like the ones from Fujifilm that have embedded camera profiles (you can choose various film simulations even after the shot has been made, just like correcting white balance) are more restricted when it comes to toggling between profiles, but at the very least, now my file is open and I can edit it in my usual way. This is a quick tip – if you are wanting more on the editing process, check out The Ultimate Guide To Fundamental Editing over at Photzy. This guide will not only show you how to edit your images but why you should and in what order you should edit in. It is a great resource that you'll come back to time and again. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to open your RAW files from your brand new camera and seeing that annoying message from Lightroom stating that it cannot open your files – so if that happens, give DNG conversion a go. The post Quick Tip: Having Troubles to Open RAW files? DNG Files Might Help You appeared first on Light Stalking. Photography News via Light Stalking https://ift.tt/2kwTW5i September 29, 2018 at 08:02AM
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Phottix launches new multi-brand Odin Z OS, and a pair of Juno hotshoe flash units https://ift.tt/2NMuAPr Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018Phottix has launched a new operating system for its portable flash systems that it says automatically switches between different manufacturer’s TTL systems as it detects their presence from an on-camera flash unit or on-camera transmitter. The Odin Z operating system also offers an auto metering feature that suggests a manual power setting for the photographer to dial in, and now shows power settings in real time on the slave flash display as it is changed via the commander unit. Along with the new OS the company has launched two new hotshoe flash units and a Lite version of its Odin transmitter. We got some time with Phottix CEO Steve Peer who showed us around the new kit. Prices of all the released items have yet to be set. For more information see the Phottix website. The first new flash (above) is called Juno TTL and seems pretty close to the Mitros + unit the company currently offers. It has a guide number of 60m at the 200mm zoom setting, while the Mitros + has a GN of 58m and a maximum zoom of 105mm. It is just as nicely made as the Mitros + and it about the same size. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018The new Juno TTL is compatible with the Elincrom Skyport system, as well as the collection of other Phottix communication protocols for older or less sophisticated units. The flash can command or be commanded, by the Odin studio flashes, and triggered by non-TTL Ares products by radio. Optical systems can also be controlled or used to control the Juno TTL. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018The Odin Z system, and the Juno TTL flash, will offer TTL control for Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony camera systems. Peer tells us he is ‘thinking about’ Panasonic/Olympus and Fujifilm systems, but that demand is much lower for users of those brands. The Odin Z system still works for the other camera brands, just not in TTL mode. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018As you might expect, the head swivels about 180 degrees in each direction and can tilt upwards by 90 degrees, and the zoom head can be controlled manually or automatically over a range of 20mm to 200mm. As you can see, the Juno TTL runs on four AA cells. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018The Odin Lite transmitter is designed to control a network of flash units and studio heads in manual mode, and doesn’t support TTL flash exposure. Steve Peers says that 70% of Phottix customers want to shoot with their flashes in manual mode the majority of the time, so this unit is for those for who TTL is inappropriate. As it isn’t TTL it will work with any camera system – the central pin on the foot has been positioned so that it will still connect with the camera’s hotshoe system even when the trigger connector isn’t absolutely in the middle of the hotshoe. The Odin Lite offers 4 groups and 32 channels. Channels 5-32 use the Phottix Digital ID system for an extra secure connection. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018The Juno Li60 is another new flash unit that is almost the same as the standard Juno, but it only operates in manual mode and is powered by a lithium battery instead of AAs. It has the same 60m guide number as the Juno, and as it doesn’t operation with TTL it can be used with any camera system. This is a very pre-production unit that doesn’t have the name printed on it yet. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018The Juno Li60 takes a massive lithium ion battery instead of the usual AA batteries of the Mitros + models. The pack is rated 3200mAh, which compares well to the 2000mAh of the VB18 in the Godox V860 II that I used to shoot the pictures. Peer couldn’t say how many full power bursts we should expect per charge, but it I’d expect that sort of battery to last well. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018The rear of the Juno Li60 looks just the same as that of the regular Juno and the TTL version, but the display is simpler as it only shows manual flash settings. It doesn't have the new flash exposure meter mode. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018Also on the stand were the company’s new Nuada LED panels. The R (left and right) and R3 (centre). The three have a heavily diffused surface and produce really very soft and attractive light. The R3 measures 428mm across, and is only 33mm thick/thin. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018The R3 runs on V-lock batteries, but comes with an adapter for NP batteries. And of course, it can be powered from the mains via the included AC adapter. The light puts out 1100Lux at 1m and allows its temperature to be varied between 3200 and 5600K. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018A new panel is the Nuada S3 from the square/rectangle series which outputs 850 Lux at 1m. The panel measures 2376x266x25mm and again produces a really soft light - as modeled here by CEO Steve Peer. Phottix hands-on at Photokina 2018The panel is also powered by NP batteries or via the AC adapter, but doesn’t take V-Lock batteries. As with the R3, the S3 has a variable temperature of between 3200-5600K, and a CRI of >95. Photography News via Dpreview https://ift.tt/i0r8o5 September 29, 2018 at 07:02AM
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This App Lets You Know When the Weather is Perfect for Photography https://ift.tt/2R8gXrK We’ve all had this happen to us before: You plan, you gather, you pack, and everything seems ready to go until the day of your big shoot when the weather decides it is not going to cooperate and you’re forced to reschedule the whole thing. Not only is this a huge bummer for most photographers but also a huge time waste as well. Wouldn’t it be perfect if you could predict the weather with some degree of accuracy or at least know ahead of time whether conditions will be right for what you want to capture? WeatherScout, an app for Apple iOS, wants to create such a world for you and it promises to match up your preferences with local, current conditions so that you never again have to be disappointed by Mother Nature’s whims. Basically you set your user preferences in the app and it takes it from there. It even has preferences relating to the blue hour and golden hour in your specified location. There are even settings for wind speed among other things. You might be thinking it sounds like a glorified weather app with tailored notifications but WeatherScout also comes with an alarm that you can set to trigger a certain time before ideal conditions are expected. You can also add multiple locations in the app so you can check up on the conditions in your favorite spots for photography. In all, WeatherScout really seems to combine a ton of different functionalities into one centralized app. There are a few drawbacks to the app, however, chief among them being lack of an Android version as of press (though we’re sure the devs will correct that in the future). One of the biggest complaints is that WeatherScout collates redundant information from other weather services and thus isn’t as accurate as it promises to be. That said, it will only get better with time. The post This App Lets You Know When the Weather is Perfect for Photography appeared first on Light Stalking. Photography News via Light Stalking https://ift.tt/2kwTW5i September 28, 2018 at 10:13PM
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Leica’s New 64MP Medium Format DSLR Camera the S3 https://ift.tt/2N8y4qf Some history is worth repeating, especially if you’re Leica, one of the most beloved makes in the optics industry. Ten years after its predecessor made its world debut at the same trade show, Leica’s latest camera to join the S-System family of cameras, the 64MP medium format DSLR the S3, promises to continue the legacy of the S2 with improvements to its performance in varied lighting conditions according to marketing from the company. This comes on top of the company's announcement of an L-Mount alliance with fellow optics giants Panasonic and Sigma. Needless to add, Leica has their hands full these days. Armed with a 64MP ProFormat sensor, the S3 will also have 4K video recording in medium format as well as an improved viewfinder and autofocus. Other than that the styling looks like an evolution over the Typ 007 but still maintains that iconic Leica look. Aside from a bump up in power over the S2 the S3 will also offer classic Leica styling and build quality as well as compatibility with related products. There are many other features and upgrades that will be revealed over time but, for now, Leica is basically just preparing the way for the full spec rollout to come. For reference, the Leica S (Typ 007) has a 37.5MP sensor making the S3’s 64MP sensor a step up indeed. Promising something that is cutting edge and top of the line, Leica’s history and reputation largely bolsters these statements and we will all be on the edge of our seats waiting to see just what the S3 is. That said, there are no details on pricing or an exact release date though PetaPixel speculates that the launch will occur in mid-2019. The publication also sites the current Leica S (Typ 007)’s price point of $USD 20k as a starting place for speculation as to where the S3 will fall. The post Leica’s New 64MP Medium Format DSLR Camera the S3 appeared first on Light Stalking. Photography News via Light Stalking https://ift.tt/2kwTW5i September 28, 2018 at 08:54PM
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The Essence of Photography: What You See Reflects Your Inner World https://ift.tt/2zDeAXt Here’s my favorite quote from Jay Maisel, one of the legends in the world of photography: “If you want to make more interesting pictures, become a more interesting person.” As photographers, we often get bored in the place we live and we want to travel as much as possible to get different and more interesting pictures. We think that it is all about pictures. But I’ve found that for me, it’s exactly as Jay Maisel said: the more I know about life, about people, about art, the better and more interesting my pictures become to me. If I’m in the process of learning from some new artist or new philosopher, it will reflect in my work and in what I see in front of me. That’s a very obvious thing, of course, but what we forget to do is to constantly update our inner selves. We tend to think that what we know is enough and that we just need to go out and find the good pictures waiting for us. But that’s not true. All those motivations are enough for a time, but afterward they disappear and we need to update ourselves constantly. We need to dedicate way more time to those “updates” than to actual photography. I have one particular example I’d like to share with you. It’s an illustration of the behind-the-scenes thoughts that go on in my mind when I see something and take a picture. I took this following picture in the Baumanskaya metro station in Moscow, Russia: The man was Russian. He initially wanted to sit on a nearby bench, but homeless guys who were sitting there drove him away, telling him that he attracts police. Something told me to wait as I watched how he sat below this bench, where the light was much better. He laid his carpet out, placed all of his belongings on the ground, took out a book, and started to read. At that moment, I remembered some art, some painter. Something popped into my head. I couldn’t remember what exactly, but I decided to look it up later. Later on, I did remember what I was inspired by. It was this: This is a painting done in 1873 by Russian artist Vasily Vereshchagin, titled “At the Door of a Mosque.” I took some pictures of this man while he was walking and I thought I was done, but something made me wait and continue watching. I don’t think I would have noticed the photo I captured above had I never seen the painting by Vereshchagin before. Many famous photographers (including Jay Maisel) say to “be open” and to “learn to see something you have never seen before.” That sounds like good advice, but is it true? By “something,” the photographers mean some gesture, event, people, emotions, etc. But let’s think of it as if it were a language — say… Vietnamese. If you don’t understand Vietnamese, the language won’t reflect with your existing knowledge in your brain, so you’ll only hear sounds, not words. I believe the same is true in photography — to be able to understand what’s in front of you, what you see has to reflect with your existing knowledge and experiences. So the more experience and knowledge you have, through seeing and living through more things, the more tools you have to use in your work. Be “open,” of course, but also be constantly updating your imagination with masterworks by great artists, keep talking to interesting people, keep reading books, and keep adding to your knowledge — it will lead to photographs with new dimensions. About the author: Alexander Light is a photographer focused on street, travel, and landscapes. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. You can find more of his work on his website, street photography portfolio, Facebook, and Instagram. Photography News via PetaPixel https://petapixel.com September 28, 2018 at 03:44PM
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How the Fujifilm GFX 50R Compares in Size to Popular Cameras https://ift.tt/2Iql6Dx Fujifilm made a splash in the photo industry this week by announcing the GFX 50R, a camera that squeezes a 51.4-megapixel medium-format sensor into a rangefinder-style body with a price tag of just $4,499. Here’s a look at how the “compact” body compares in size to other popular cameras on the market. First up, here’s what the camera looks like next to the new Fujifilm X-T3 mirrorless camera, which has an APS-C sensor: Moving up to full-frame mirrorless cameras, here’s how the 50R compares to the new Canon R and Nikon Z7, as well as the Sony a7R III: The 50R is shorter but wider than full-frame DSLRs. Here’s what it looks like next to the Canon 5D Mark IV and the Nikon D850: When placed next to a pro-style body format DSLR, however, the 50R is significantly more compact. Here’s the camera next to the Canon 1D X Mark II: Compared to the 50-megapixel medium format Hasselblad X1D-50c, the 50R is wider but slightly shorter and thinner. Finally, compared to the Fujifilm GFX 50S, the 50R is slightly wider but significantly thinner (2.62in vs 3.6in): The Fujifilm GFX 50R will be available in November 2018 with a price tag of $4,499. Image credits: Comparison images based on data from Camera Size Comparison Photography News via PetaPixel https://petapixel.com September 28, 2018 at 02:50PM
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Ep. 298: Gear Surprises Abound at Photokina 2018 – and more https://ift.tt/2zBotVy
Episode 298 of the PetaPixel Photography Podcast. Featured: Nikon Ambassador, Robin Layton In This EpisodeIf you subscribe to the PetaPixel Photography Podcast in iTunes, please take a moment to rate and review us and help us move up in the rankings so others interested in photography may find us. Show Opener: Sponsors: Stories: Sigma announces L-Mount body development. (#) Sony’s 24mm f/1.4 G Master. (#) Fujifilm unveils its GFX 50R mirrorless medium format rangefinder. (#) Fujifilm announces development of an interesting 100 megapixel body. (#) Kodak’s revival of Ektachrome color reversal film is now for sale. (#) Outtake My other podcast with Brian Matiash, the No Name Photo Show. Connect With UsThank you for listening to the PetaPixel Photography Podcast! Connect with me, Sharky James on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (all @LensShark) as we build this community. We’d love to answer your question on the show. Leave us an audio question through our voicemail widget, comment below or via social media. But audio questions are awesome! You can also cut a show opener for us to play on the show! As an example: “Hi, this is Matt Smith with Double Heart Photography in Chicago, Illinois, and you’re listening to the PetaPixel Photography Podcast with Sharky James!” Photography News via PetaPixel https://petapixel.com September 27, 2018 at 09:50PM
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Adorama has the PIXMA Pro-100 for $59 after a $250 mail-in rebate. Also included in the deal is a 50 pack of 13×19 Canon luster paper. Get the Canon PIXMA Pro-100 Bundle $59 This is a great deal on a great printer. Please keep in mind this won’t ship until after the Sukkos Holiday being observed by Adorama. Shipping should take place on October 3, 2018. Photography via Canon Rumors https://ift.tt/2v4dYqS September 27, 2018 at 08:29PM
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Sigma’s New Full-Frame, Leica L-Mount Compatible Foveon Makes Waves https://ift.tt/2xH4ByK Joining partners Panasonic and Leica in supporting the L-Mount-based ecosystem the three optics giants are building out over the next couple of years, Sigma showed off their all new, full-frame Foveon camera as part of its contribution to the joint effort. Based upon a sensor using Sigma’s Foveon technology the camera will use what PetaPixels calls a “proprietary three-layer structure in which red, green, and blue pixels each have their own full layer” as opposed to the traditionally shared layer for an effect that Sigma says results in a sharper, more vibrant image. There is some sad news for fans of Sigma’s SA-Mount ecosystem: The company has committed itself to the Leica L-Mount alliance wholeheartedly and has no plans to release any new SA-Mount products in the future according to a statement from Kazuto Yamaki, Chief Executive Officer at Sigma. In a statement to the press, the CEO writes that “All future interchangeable-lens camera systems developed by SIGMA will feature the L-mount…SIGMA does not plan to develop new cameras equipped with an SA-mount.” Current owners of SA-Mount lenses will have the option of having them converted and there will also be an adapter on the market in the future so everyone is not left out in the cold. In a somewhat tacit acknowledgment of how much of a money sink investing in these systems can be, Yamaki addressed this future support directly in his press release: “SIGMA treats our continued support for SA-mount lenses as a top priority…This commitment of ours will not be affected by our move to a new mount system, and SA-mount lenses will continue to be part of our production. Please be assured that we are creating the next generation of our cameras with all of our customers in mind.” More concrete details about the Foveon will be released in the near future but it is expected that the camera and L-Mount compatible accessories will launch sometime in early 2019. The post Sigma’s New Full-Frame, Leica L-Mount Compatible Foveon Makes Waves appeared first on Light Stalking. Photography News via Light Stalking https://ift.tt/2kwTW5i September 27, 2018 at 07:02PM |
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