Cheap Photo: The Massive Deal List to Top All Deal Lists

Cheap Photo: The Massive Deal List to Top All Deal Lists

The Phoblographer posted a long list of camera and lens deals.  The list includes the Canon rebates I posted earlier.

It also includes Sony, Nikon and Fujifilm deals as well as deals from Adorama and Amazon.


(Click on link above for list.)

DIY Wood Project That Makes Use of Your Photographs

Hat Tip: PetaPixel

The original post for this comes from Wood Working for Mortals.  The author of that blog has a quick method for transferring photo prints onto wood (or other porous surfaces.)  All it requires is an inkjet printer and a non-porous surface to print on.

He uses a label sheet that has had the labels removed in this video.





Viewing the video on YouTube's site will bring up a list of related videos, including videos with alternative techniques for transferring images to wood.

This techniques seems to be the quickest method.


Transferring images like this seems ready made for DIY gifts and craft projects.  Those projects don't need to be limited to wood as the technique used in the video should work with other surfaces.

Camera and Lens News and Reviews for the Week of April 20

Cameras

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II

For starters: Nikon D3300 review 
Nikon Coolpix S6800 Review 
Nikon Coolpix S5300 Review 

Olympus OM-D E-M1: Lab Test Results & Comments: Still & Video

Leica Launches Mirrorless T Camera System
Leica: T system 'as big as M'
Leica T Review - First Impressions
Leica T (Typ 701) preview: The Leica for the modern age is here—but where are the lenses?
Solid metal: Creating the Leica T 
Leica T and lenses herald arrival of mirrorless T-system 
All teed up: Leica T First Impressions Review
Leica T (Typ 701) System Hands-On Preview 
New Leica T Camera System For The Smartphone Generation 
New Gear: Leica T Interchangeable-Lens Compact Camera System With APS-C Sensor
The Leica T: A 100 Year-Old Company’s Answer to a New Age
Leica Steps Into the 21st Century with the Apple-Esque Leica T Mirrorless System
First Impressions: Leica T  
New Leica T-System Officially Announced 

Sony a6000 shooting experience and samples gallery

Panasonic Lumix GH4 Full Review


Lenses

Some Initial Thoughts on the Canon 400mm F/5.6L
Some Initial Thoughts on the Canon 400mm F/2.8L IS II

Pentax 35mm HD Limited Macro Lens Review: a high performance optic with classic styling

Canon Rebates, Available Until July 15

Hat Tip: SLR Lounge

B&H Photo has a page that shows the current Canon Instant and Mail-In Rebates.  The Instant savings run through May 24.  The mail-in rebates are available until July 15.

The instant rebates run $20-$60.

Mail-in rebates go up to $300.


Speedlite flashes and a couple of extenders are included in the rebates, not just lenses.

Camera Hacks and Firmware Updates

Sometimes digital cameras just don't offer the functionality a photographer is looking for,  Sometimes, there are ways to add that functionality.


Firmware Updates

Firmware updates are one of the easiest methods of adding functionality to a digital camera. 

Firmware is basically the computer program used to control the digital camera.  Firmware is stored in the computer's flash memory.  This is similar to the type of memory used in modern memory cards.  The memory configuration can be altered to change the information stored on the card.  Changes made to the memory are permanent as long as no further alterations are made.

(This is unlike the memory used by computers to run software.  That type of memory is reset to a blank state whenever power is no longer being supplied to the memory.)

Updating firmware requires downloading the required update.  The method of applying the update defers depending on manufacturer.  (Saving the update on a memory card is a common requirement.)


There are a couple of drawbacks with firmware updates.

1)  The firmware has to be compatible with the camera.  This usually limits the firmware to that supplied by the camera manufacturer. 

Camera manufacturers do offer firmware updates that fix bugs and sometimes offer firmware updates that expand camera features.  Sometimes the only reason a more expensive model offers more features than less expensive models from the same manufacturer is the firmware used.  Manufacturers may expand the features of the less expensive models after a product line is replaced.


There are options for some models.  Some Canon models offer the option to run software stored on the camera's storage card.  This approach allows Canon owners to extend camera functionality without having to touch the camera's firmware.

There are also custom options for some Panasonic and Nikon cameras.  Note: Using custom firmware with Panasonic or Nikon may void your warranty.

Canon, Panasonic and Nikon are apparently the only models for which custom firmware is available, and only certain models are covered.

2)  The lack of options is the only drawback.  Updating firmware carries some risks as well.  Improperly applied updates can cause a camera to become inoperable.

Re-installing the pre-existing version can (sometimes) fix the problem.  That's assuming you remembered to create a backup copy of the firmware before applying the new version.  (Or that you were able to create a backup copy.)

A bad firmware update can cause the camera to become incapable of loading the program necessary to update the firmware.  (Congratulations, you have "bricked" your camera.)  This may require sending the camera back to the manufacturer in order to have the mainboard replaced.

(Digital Photography School goes into firmware updates in some length.)


Camera Hacks 

If  updating your camera's firmware isn't enough for you, PetaPixel has some additional hacks for you to try.

Some of these hacks require disassembling the camera in order to alter or remove parts.  These are definitely not recommended for use with expensive digital cameras.  Pick up a cheap digital camera if you want to try these hacks out. 

There are a couple of examples that can be used with more expensive cameras.  One shows a Lumix G1 with an antique lenses mounted to it using velcro and leather.  (This approach expands the lens options.)  Another shows a DIY tilt-shift lens using an old lens.

Then there are the camera mounting devices, used to control the camera during long or multiple exposures.


The DIY examples show how certain effects can be achieved on a budget.  It's worth reading the article for that alone. 

 

Spidey is a Leica Fan

For those of you that never read comic books as a child, Peter Parker (aka the Amazing Spider-man) worked as a freelance photographer.  He specialized in photographs of Spider-man.

Yes, he made money selling selfies.



The camera shows up at the 46 second mark in the old cartoon intro.

It's apparently a Leica M3.


The latest movies have him using a Yashica Electro 35 GSN, another range finder.

Tobey Maguire breaks the mold by using an SLR camera.  (According to IMDB it's a 1981 Canon New F-1 SLR with blocked-out logo.)

Bedford Offering 50% Off Metal Prints

Bedford Camera & Video is offering 50% off of metal prints this weekend (April 25 and 26).

Use Coupon Code: 50OFFMETAL when ordering for discount.

(Note: that's the number "50" followed by "OFFMETAL" in capital letters.)


PS, it's a slow news day.  There hasn't been much news worthy in my photography feeds this morning.

Deal Alert: Adorama Lens and Lens Accessory Deals

Adorama is advertising deals on over 200 lenses and lens accessories.

The deals include up to $300 in instant savings on Sigma lenses and $100 on select Olympus lenses.

Today's Buzz: Leica Announces the Leica-T System

Leica officially announced the Leica-T System today.

(The news was supposed to be embargoed until today, but the company put the information on their website a day early.  Someone noticed and posted the information a day early.)

The camera has created a great deal of buzz.  There were 15 different articles on it in my RSS feed today.


The new Leica T-System from Leica Camera on Vimeo.

For a full list of specifications, head over to La Vida Leica.  They have everything yo need to know about the camera and include links to various stories on the camera at the bottom of the article.  (As well as a large number of additional videos.)


My first response was "$1850 for a camera with a 16MP APS-C sensor?"  That's the price without a lens?  Oh, and there are only two lenses specifically made for it right now?

Then I saw it had no ability to save images in RAW mode.  JPG format only.  ($1,850 for a camera that can't record in RAW mode is a deal-breaker as far as I'm concerned.)


So why does it cost so much, and why the buzz?

First, it's a Leica.  The name alone carries a certain amount of cachet.

Secondly, you're paying for German engineering.  (Yes, it's a camera not a car.)  The body is milled from a single block of aluminum that is hand finished.   That alone accounts for a great deal of the extra cost. 


Frankly, the camera does not seem to be targeted at professional photographers or even serious amateurs.  (The lack of RAW capability means those photographers probably have better options.)  It seems more targeted at enthusiasts looking to make a statement with the camera's design.

I don't expect strong sales numbers for this camera.  It seems designed for a niche market.


That being said, this may mark a trend for camera development.  There seems to be a limit on the amount of resolution a sensor can cram into a sensor before noise becomes an issue.  16-20 megapixels seems to be the sweet-spot for APS-C or 4/3 sensors.

That means manufacturers can't differentiate their APS-C of 4/3 camera offerings by increasing the resolution.  That leaves offering additional features or design.

Leica has opted for the latter.

Quentin Tarantino's Lawsuit Against Gawker for Contributory Copyright Infringement Dismissed

Hat Tip: Hollywood Reporter

This is a little off topic as it involves a screen play script instead of photography, but the Copyright law applies the same way to both.

The judge in Taratino's contributory copyright infringement case against Gawker has granted the defense motion to dismiss the lawsuit.  The judge ruled that Tarantino's filing failed to allege facts that would give rise to damages if proven true in court. 

The dismissal was "without prejudice", meaning Tarantino's lawyers have an opportunity to amend the filing.  The question yet to be answered is whether Tarantino's team have the information necessary to meet the requirements set by the judge in the dismissal.


The judge rules that Tarantino had to allege a copyright violation by a specific person as a result of Gawker posting the download link.  This means that Tarantino needs to amend the complaint to 1) cite a specific person that downloaded a copy of the script and 2) link that download back to Gawker.

The largest hurdle facing Tarantino at this point may be accumulating the necessary information in the period of time allowed to amend the filing.



It seemed odd to me that Tarantino failed to sue the web site that uploaded the script.  That decision may come back to nite him.  He needed to name them as a party to the suit in order to get the information needed to sue Gawker.  His failure to sue the actual infringing party may prevent him from suing Gawker for contributory infringement.


Suing the site that hosted the script would have enabled Tarantino to obtain the IP addresses of all those people that downloaded the script.  He then could have obtained referral information from that site.  (Web sites can track the web page that someone was on before landing on their web site.)

This would have given him a list of IP addresses that downloaded the script immediately after visiting Gawker.


Tarantino only has until May 1 to amend the complaint.  That may not be enough time to obtain that information.

Macphun Photo Contest: Grand Prize is Olympus E-M10

Digital Photography School is sponsoring a photo contest along with Macphun software.  The Grand Prize is an Olympus E-M10 digital camera.  (Value $700.)

Winners will also be picked on a weekly basis for other prizes.  The winner of one of the four weekly prizes will receive a canvas printed version of their submission.  Three runner-ups will get a Macphun photo app of their choice. 

Note: Macphun only makes software for Apple systems.  It doesn't run on Windows systems.  Keep this in mind when choosing to enter. 

All entrants get a complementary copy of Macphun's ColorStrokes software (again, Mac only.)


The name of the contest is Go Outside and Shoot  and entries should match that theme.  Entries will be accepted through May 25, with a limit of three per entrant.  The weekly prizes will be awarded April 30 to May 21.  Entries can be entered between May 21-25, but won't be eligible for a weekly prize.

Go to the contest page on Macphun's website to enter.  


URL http://macphun.com/dps in case you missed the link above.


Entries may be displayed on the Macphun gallery. 

Lytro Announces New Light Field Camera

Hat Tip: DP Review, Amateur Photographer, ePhotozine

Today's hot news seems to be the announcement of the Illum Professional Light Field Camera by Lytro.

(Photo from DP Review article)

Lytro is currently taking pre-orders for the Illum.  Sales are scheduled to start in July.  The Illum is listed at $1,599.  You can save $100 by pre-ordering (pre-ordering the Illum also provides some additional perks beyond the price drop, including a chance to participate in a photo shoot run by a professional photographer.)


Camera Specs

• 40 mega-ray sensor
• 8x optical zoom lens, 30-250mm equivalent
• Constant f/2.0 aperture
• Macro capability
• 1/4000 of a second high-speed shutter
• 4" tilting touchscreen

Included software can be used to manipulate the images and to create interactive images or animation.  It can also export still image files that can be edited with other image editing software.  (Apple's Aperture and Adobe's Photoshop/Lightroom support the light-field image files.  These programs should be able to edit the light-field file without exporting it as a jpg or similar image file first.)

The images can also be used to produce 3-D images on 3-D capable devices.

Lytro has a page with interactive images produced using the Illum.  These images give an idea as to the type of post-processing possibilities that exist when editing the light-field image files.



DP Review also has a brief interview with the Lytro CEO.

The most interesting part of the interview may be the part on the zoom lens used by the Illum.  The lens uses 13 elements, which is fairly low for this type of lens.  Normally the lens would need to address aberrations by including additional pieces of glass (or more complex pieces).

The ability to track light-ray direction enables the camera to omit those.  Aberration correction is done by software instead.

This suggest that light-field cameras could wind-up competitively priced in comparison to regular digital cameras.  The sensor might be more expensive, but the expense could be offset by less expensive lenses that still produce images of similar quality.



The 40 mega-ray number seems impressive, but that includes a great deal of information not used when exporting a two dimensional image.  Those images run about 5 megapixels.

5 megapixel output seems low given the $1,599 price tag.

The resolution produced when exporting still images still needs to improve in order to compete with existing digital cameras.



There is also no information on hardware specifications for using the accompanying software.  I suspect it will be higher than the requirements for other image editing software. 



Overall, the camera does not seem well suited for traditional photography.   The image resolution just isn't high enough for still images.  That does not mean the camera is useless, though.

It seems tailor made for game and web developers.  The ability to capture 3-D information suggests that 3-D game developers might be well served by investing in the camera.  It also promises to be useful for creating interactive web sites.



One thing to remember is that this is basically the second generation of light-field technology.  While it might come up short when compared to existing digital cameras, the Illum looks very impressive when compared to second-generation digital cameras.  (Those didn't even manage 5MP.)

Lyrid Meteor Shower Should Peak Tonight/Tomorrow

Hat Tip: SLR Lounge

The peak of the Lyrid Meteor Shower should occur sometime tonight or tomorrow morning.  (The Lyrid meteor shower is somewhat unpredictable and the peak could occur anytime the next thee days.)

The Lyrid shower should by visible in the northeastern portion of the night sky, near the Lyrid and Hercules constellations.


The SLR Lounge article is fairly long with a great deal of advice on how to shoot meteor showers.  The advice applies to future showers as well as to this week's event.  The article also includes a couple of videos.

Federal Truth in Advertising Law Proposal: The Ultimate Photoshop Failure

Posting articles analyzing Photoshop failures has become a common practice for web sites that have anything remotely to do with photography.  This includes sites dedicated to social commentary, fashion, celebrities as well as photography sites.

Well, the folks over at SLR Lounge and DIY Photography have articles on what may be the ultimate Photoshop failure.

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Lois Capps (D-CA) have introduced the Truth in Advertising Act (H.R. 4341) that would address Photoshop use in advertising.

There aren't any regulations proposed at this point.  The Act directs the Commerce Department to "study" the impact of Photoshop in advertising.  (The Act specifically mentions Photoshopping models and the impact it has on "body image.")


I'll put it bluntly, this is nothing more than the Congress asking for a study to justify regulating the use of Photoshop in advertisement.  Why ask for the study if you're not prepared to act on it?

The worst part is that the justification given for the study applies to other advertising sectors.  Obesity epidemic?  Let's go after Photoshopping in food advertisements.


Do these Congresswomen not understand the can of worms they are opening here?

Let's decide for the sake of argument that Congress decides something has to be done about Photoshopping advertisements.  What do they do?

Who gets to decide what is allowed?  How do you implement limitations?  Who enforces regulations?  (And how many new federal employees would it take?)  Do you limited rules to just Photoshopping people in advertisements?  (I can hear Michelle Obama already calling for regulating food ads.)


Most importantly, how do you justify Government involvement given that the Supreme Court has already ruled that advertisements amount to Constitutionally protected Free Speech?


We have a $17 Trillion National Debt, one we add nearly $1 Trillion to every year.  We have little economic growth.  Food prices (especially beef, pork and shrimp) are going up dramatically.  We have Putin destabilizing Eastern Europe.

And these two nitwits decide the most pressing issue that needs addressing is the use of Photoshop in advertising.


Is there any doubt as to why there is little respect for the people running Washington right now?

Camera and Lens News and Reviews for the Week of April 13

Cameras

Object of desire? Our Fujifilm X-T1 in-depth review
Fujifilm X-M1: Lab Test Results & Comments: Still & Video

Medium format, thy name is Ricoh; Pentax 645Z has no competition 
Pentax unveils 645Z DSLR and confirms UK price
Ricoh announces medium-format Pentax 645Z 
Hands on with the Pentax 645Z 
Pentax 645Z Medium Format Digital Camera 
New Gear: Pentax 645Z Medium Format Camera With 51.4-Megapixel CMOS Sensor

Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 Review 

Canon G1 X Mark II First Impressions Review

Nikon Coolpix P600 Review 
Nikon D5300 Review: Better images, better video and advanced features give this mid-range DSLR a leg up

Sony Cyber-shot WX220 Review


Lenses

Head2Head: Sigma 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art vs. Canon 50mm f/1.2
Head2Head: Sigma 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art vs Canon 50mm F/1.8
Sigma 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art – Full Review

Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.8 ED Premium Lens Review 
Olympus M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO Lens Review

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS Lens Review
Fuji announces 1.4x converter for X100 and X100S
Fujifilm announces 1.4x teleconverter for X100/X100S 


Other

Datacolor Introduces SpyderHD

Fuji Announces New Gear & Adobe Support Updates

The First Digital Space Camera

Hat Tip: PetaPixel

PetaPixel has a short article on the Kodak Hawkeye II.

This combined a 1.2 MP digital sensor built by Kodak with the body of a Nikon F3.  The camera was sent up on the space shuttle in 1991, making it the first digital camera to be used in space.

Panasonic Patents New Light Field Photography Sensor

Hat Tip: Imaging Resource

Panasonic has patented a new sensor that adds the ability to capture light field information to current digital camera sensor technology.

The sensors used in modern digital cameras record the intensity of light falling on a particular point (the sensor).

A light-field sensor records the direction and intensity of light passing-through that point.  It's the ability to record direction information that sets a light-field sensor apart from the current digital camera sensor. 

The ability to capture directional information means that images captured using light-field sensors can be used in ways that standard digital images can't be used.  The information allows computer software to determine a subject's distance  from the camera.  This information can be used to create a 3-D model or to manipulate the image in a way that normal images can't be manipulated.

Among other things, software can be used to refocus the image.  No more images ruined due to out-of-focus subject matter.


Scientific American has a short video on How Light Field Cameras Work.




The best part of the Panasonic patent?  The light-field sensor covered by it can be used in any camera using a digital sensor.

The Fallout has Started Over the Getty's Decision to Give Images Away for Free

Recent Getty Images announced it would enable free image embedding for it's stock images.

I predicted the move would not go over well with the photographers that actually owned the images Getty was giving away for free.

The fallout seems to have started.  Pixels.com has just announced that it will now offer licensing for the images uploaded by photographers.  (Pixels.com is a sister site for Fine Art America.  Content loaded to Fine Art America is automatically mirrored on Pixels.)

The call for offering image licensing greatly increased after Getty's move to give images away for free.

The move is a result of the site being responsive to the needs and desires of the photographers that use the site, and that is reflected in the implementation.  The photographer uploading the image sets the licensing fee.  Pixels then adds a 30% markup.

The end result is a 77/23 split with the majority going to the photographer.

(A licensing fee of $100 yields a $30 markup.  The end price is $130.  $100, or 76.9%  of that goes to the photographer.)


That split is a great deal for photographers, and vastly better than what photographers can get at Getty.

Pixels/Fine Art America seems motivated by meeting the needs of its contributors.  Getty's motivation seems to be making as much money as possible and that leads to decisions that benefits the company at the expense of its contributors.


Fine Art America/Pixels.com does limit the number of images that can be offered at the same time for those using a free account.  Paying members can offer unlimited images.  (The yearly fee is fairly low so this isn't that much of a drawback.)

This decision does effect me personally as I have a Fine Art America/Pixels account.  Now I need to decide which images I want to offer and the price to ask, a task I am happy to undertake.


Getty has forgotten those ultimately responsible for its success, and other sites are going to take advantage of that.  Pixels is just the first to publicly announce a move meant to cater to contributors unhappy with Getty.

Smithsonian Photography Contest Now Open for Voting

Head over to the Smithsonian Magazine website to cast your vote in the 11th Annual Photo Contest.

Vote winner will be awarded the Reader's Choice Award, to be announced May 15.

Soviet Space Cameras Up for Auction

Hat Tip: Amateur Photographer

Special Auction Services has a Camera and Photographic Equipment Auction scheduled for April 30.

The company is located in the UK.  Keep that in mind if you see something you want to bid on.  It's fine if you live in Great Britain or plan to visit at that time.  You'll need to factor shipping arrangements and currency conversion rates into the equation if bidding from another country.  The company accepts absentee bids and telephone bids if arranges in advance.

Internet bidding is available at the-saleroom.com.

An online catalog can be viewed on the SAS website, (click on the page number in right hand column to see lots and photos) or on the-saleroom.com site.

The Soviet Space Cameras are lot 175 and lot 176.

Lot 175 is A GOMZ Leningrad Space Model II Camera , expected to fetch 15,000-20,000 pounds.

Lot 176 is A Prototype Russian Lunar Surface Camera, expected to fetch 8,000-12,000 pounds.

Amazon Deal of the Day: 65% of Kingston Memory Cards

Amazon is offering up to 65% off on Kingston Memory Cards and USB Drives. 

Deal last for 24 hours or until supplies run out.

Now's your chance to get a deal on a SD or Micro SD memory card with more storage capacity, or an extra card "just in case."

USB drives are useful for transferring photos or other files between computers.

Photographing Tonight's Lunar Eclipse

For those of you thinking about shooting tonight's lunar eclipse, I suggest you check out Imaging Resource's Moon Photo 101 article and the Moon Photography blog post by photographer Ryan Zimmerma.

The eclipse itself last from 1:00 to 6:00 am (Eastern Time).  The full eclipse occurs roughly 3:00am.

The Zimmerman post suggest how you can prepare in advance using an OpenSource software program, Stellarium.  The Imaging Resource article gives some additional tips on using the software.


Of course, neither can help much if the weather fails to cooperate.


The forecast for my area calls for clear skies.

And freezing temperatures.


P.S.  DP Review has some tips for shooting the eclipse as well.

Camera and Lens News and Reviews for the Week of April 6

Cameras

Sony Alpha 7S primed for summer debut
Full-frame Sony A7S bucks trend with fewer, larger pixels for great low-light shooting, native 4K video
Sony announces Alpha 7S full-frame mirrorless with 4:2:2 4k video output 
A first look at the Sony Alpha 7S 12MP full frame with 4K output 
Sony Alpha A7S 4K Mirrorless Camera Announced
New Gear: Sony A7S Camera Adds 4K video, ISO 409,600
Atomos Announces First 4K Recorder for Sony A7s 

JVC Kenwood to launch micro-four-thirds cameras
JVC Kenwood joins Micro Four Thirds with 4K Super 35 prototypes

Blackmagic Design announces Blackmagic URSA with 10-inch screen
New Gear: Blackmagic URSA 4K Camera Has Upgradeable Mount, Sensor  
Blackmagic Design launches Blackmagic Studio Camera 
Blackmagic URSA 4K Camera: $6k Professional Cinema Camera Announced
 
AJA enters cinema camera market with 4K Cion

Nikon Coolpix AW120 Review
Nikon D4s review
Nikon Df: New Nikon Shooter Blends Retro Charm and Modern Superpowers
Nikon 1 J4 added to lineup
Nikon primes Nikon 1 J4 for June debut
Nikon J4 announced in Europe, Asia; couples V3 features with J-series styling
Nikon Coolpix S810c with Android continues connectivity trend 
Nikon 1 J4 sports new sensor, improved AF system, and Wi-Fi 
Nikon Coolpix S810c Android Compact Camera
Nikon 1 J4 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Review


Lenses

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH  

Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus lens review: Does this $4,000 monster beat the Sigma 50/1.4 Art?

New Nikon 18-300mm DX-format zoom launched
Nikon rolls out ‘compact’ 18-300mm DX lens
Nikon debuts lighter 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 to DX lens lineup 
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR 
New Gear: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3G ED VR Zoom Lens

Lomography Russar+ 20mm Art Lens Announced
Lomography launches Russar+ for L39 and M mount cameras 
Lomo Brings Back the Iconic, 50-Year-Old Russar MR-2 Wide Angle Lens

Sigma announces 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art pricing and availability 
Lens Test: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sigma 50mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens Pricing Revealed!
Pentax, Sony variants of Sigma USB dock on the way; full-time MF coming for 50mm f/1.4 lens

Voigtlander Lens 25mm f/0.95 Version II 

Tamron prices impressively-compact 16-300mm superzoom lens
New Gear: Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DI II VC PZD Macro Zoom Lens


Other

Reflecta VisiLux Studio Flash Kit

Elinchrom D-Lite RX ONE To Go Kit: Compact And Versatile Monolights

Datacolor SpyderHD Calibration Suite

DxO Optics Pro 9 Software Review

Booq Python Mirrorless keeps camera at-hand

Atomos launches Shogun 4K external recorder 

Marumi Highest Grade UV Camera Filter

Camera Technology: Aspherical Camera Lenses

ePhotozine today has a very brief snippet on Tamron hybrid aspherical lenses. 


Basic lenses are spherical in nature.  They can be envisioned as pieces cut from a glass sphere.  The effect varies based on the diameter of the sphere they are "cut" from.
 

Two lenses "Cut" from spheres with different diameters.

The diameter of the sphere the lens is "cut" from determines the strength of the lens.  A lens with a smaller spherical diameter is stronger, meaning it will bend light more than one with a larger spherical diameter.

Lens with larger spherical diameter

Lens with smaller spherical diameter

Spherical lenses have an inherent problem: the edges of the lens band light more than the middle.  Here's an image to illustrate why that can be a problem:

The colored lines indicate light originating from the same point.  A focused image requires all those sources being focused at the same point on the film or image sensor.  Instead, the blue line meet at the sensor, the red slightly in front of the sensor and the green slightly in front of that point.

This results in an out of focus image.

An aspherical lens is one approach used to address this problem.  The lens shape is altered so that the light passing through the lens hits the image sensor at the same point.

This results in a focused image.

(The alternative requires the use of one or more additional lens elements to refocus the light properly.)

Note: These are very simplified illustrations and are only meant to illustrate the difference between spherical and aspherical lenses.


Aspherical lenses are more complex to manufacture than spherical lenses, but the cost may be offset by the ability to utilize fewer pieces of glass.


Hybrid aspherical lenses are the easiest type to manufacture.  These consist of glass lenses that have been combined with an optical plastic.  Hybrid aspherical lenses are easy to manufacture and don't require expensive materials.  The plastic component makes them unsuited for use in an area where the lens will be exposed to the environment.  The plastic is far easier to scratch than glass and the lens would quickly become unusable if exposed to dust particles.

Molded aspherical lenses are the next step up from hybrid lenses.  Optical glass is heated until it is soft.  The softened glass is placed into a two-piece mold.  The mold is pressed together to shape the glass.  These types of lenses can be used in areas of the lens assembly that are exposed to the environment.  The glass used to manufacture these type of lenses has to soften at a suitable temperature, which prevents some types of optical glass from being used.

Ground aspherical lenses are the most expensive and/or time consuming to manufacture.  These lenses are formed by grinding optical glass using a grindstone to shape the glass.  This process can be used with glass not suited for other manufacturing methods.  The cost or time-consuming nature of this method makes it ill-suited for mass production.

Photo Contest: "Flash You Creative Side"

Hunt's Photo and Video has a new photo contest: "Flash Your Creative Side".

Follow the link to Hunt's facebook page and hit "like" to enter.  (You will need a facebook account to enter.)

Entries must show the creative use of artificial lighting to manipulate an image.  Images must be high resolution at 13" x 19".

The winning photo gets a $200 Hunt's gift card.  The seven photos with most votes will be displayed in Hunt's Gallery.

Canon PowerShot SX50 Recall Notice

Certain PowerShot SX50 cameras have been recalled due to contamination that occurred during the manufacture of the rubber portion of the camera's viewfinder.

The contaminated rubber can till turn due to the build-up of a zinc deposit.  This deposit is caused by a reaction between the contaminant and the rubber.  This deposit can cause an allergic reaction (the primary symptom is a skin rash.)  It can also cause eye irritation.

Canon will inspect and repair affected cameras free of charge.


Affected cameras have serial numbers starting with 68, 69, or 70 along with the sixth number in the serial number consisting of a 1.

Contact Canon support if you have a PowerShot SX50 with one of these serial numbers.


Hat Tip: DP Review
(DP Review article includes link to Canon support website)

Camera Deals April 9 2014, Springtime Specials at Cameta

Cameta Camera is advertising Springtime Specials.

Get a Nikon D7100 Kit for $1,449.95, a Canon Rebel T5 kit for $649.95 or a Sony A5000 kit for $749.95.  The Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Macro Zoom Lens is on sale for $199.95.  (There are other deals listed, follow link to check them out.)

Fantastic Take on Sunset Photography

Hat Tip: DIY Photography

I just had to share this after coming across the article at DIY Photography on Bing Wright's Broken Mirror/Evening Sky project.

The series combines projections of sunset photographs with photographs of broken mirrors.  (The sunset photograph is projected on a wall or screen.  The projected image is reflected in the broken mirror.  A photo is then taken of the broken mirror.)

The end result is a spectacular image that is reminiscent of stained glass.

The images were shown at the Paula Cooper Gallery in NY last winter.


Here's one of the images from Wright's website:

Check out his website to see the rest.

Camera and Lens News for Week of March 30

Cameras

FUJIFILM Weather Resistant X-T1
Fujifilm X-T1 Review

Olympus Announces Waterproof TG-3 iHS Camera 
Olympus unveils new Stylus SH-1 and Tough TG-3
Ready, steady, go: Olympus SH-1 says goodbye to camera shake 
Rugged Olympus TG-3 puts the focus on macro shooting
Shockproof flagship: Olympus 'drops' new Tough TG-3 
Olympus brings PEN style and 5-axis IS to Stylus SH-1 travel zoom
Olympus Stylus SH-1 Compact Camera Announced
Olympus TG-3 TOUGH Camera
New Gear: Olympus TG-3 Tough and SH-1 Advanced Compact Cameras 

Canon Powershot SX600 HS Review
Canon PowerShot SX600 HS review
Canon 1200D review 
Canon EOS 1200D review 
Canon Announces Host of New Cinema Camera Products 

Nikon Coolpix P340 Review
Nikon D4s DSLR Review 

Sony HX400V review 
Sony WX350 review

5 Exciting Cameras to Look Out for in 2014

Ricoh to offer limited edition Pentax Q7 Premium Kit
Ricoh Announce Pentax Q7 Premium Kit


Lenses 

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R Lens Review

First Impressions: Panasonic 15mm f1.7 (Micro Four Thirds)

Rokinon 14mm and 28mm in CSC Mounts

From close-up to creative to downright creepy, new iPhone lens accessories arrive en masse

Pentax 70mm f/2.4 HD Limited review

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art lens review


Other

Kenro launches Nissin i40 compact flash with video light 

Nokia unveils 20MP Lumia 930 with Windows Phone 8.1

Inside the Samsung Galaxy S5

Warning: Hardcore Geek Alert.

Imaging Resource has an article covering the tear-down of the Samsung Galaxy S5 done by the people over at Chipworks.


Chipworks engineers disassembles devices like the Samsung Galaxy, analyze the components and then provides an analysis of the device to competitors and institutional investors.  (This would include your mutual fund manager if you happen to have a 401(k) account.)

This allows competitors to keep tabs on what other companies are doing and gives investors some insight into a companies strength and business strategy not available by other means.

The images including in the article are worth viewing.  (The article itself is a bit dense in spots.  Parts made my eyes glaze over and I'm fairly tech savvy.)

Here's the image of the phone's image sensor:

There are a large number of photos dedicated to the various parts and identification labels.  It's a good opportunity to see what the inside of one of these devices looks like without risking taking one you own apart.

The Imaging Resource article is a little easier to read and includes a brief description of the implications when it comes to using the Galaxy to take photos.

Save on Olympus Products Through April 5

Head over to the Olympus Online Store for a list of ongoing deals.  Available until Saturday, April 5.

(The 4/7 at the top of the page is a mistake; the individual deals all say 4/5)

The OM-D E-M5 camera is available for $200 off ($300 for kit).  The Pen E-P5 is $200 off.
You can save an additional $200 if a lens is purchased along with one of these cameras.

Other cameras, lenses and accessories are also on sale.

Kickstarter Project Turns Your Smart Phone Into Microscope

Hat Tip: DP Review

The Micro Phone Lens turns you smartphone (or other mobile device with a 5 MP or larger camera) into a device capable of taking pictures of microscope slide at 150x magnification.

The project had a funding goal of $50,000, which has already been reached.  The funding derive continues until April 18 if you are interested in the project.  Backers can receive a lens and related merchandise based on the amount of funding.  This means you can get one of these lenses by backing the project.  (Some funding options are closed right now, but the $50 option that includes a full package is still open.)


The lens has some interesting possibilities by providing inexpensive, portable magnification capabilities. 

One use that comes to mind involves doctors performing field work in third world countries.  They now have an option for viewing medical slides in the field that doesn't involve expensive medical equipment.  The ability to send images of those slides using the phone is an additional plus.


The lens is "focused" by pressing on the slide.  The lens housing has some give and pressing on the slide will move it closer to the camera.  This is one area where a real microscope has an advantage. 

Note: The image above was taken using a prototype lens.  The production version will use an aspheric lens which will produce clearer images around the edges.

Today's Deals: Softboxes and Sigma Foveon Cameras

Adorama currently is offering deals on GLOW Signature Softboxes, offering up to 35% off.

You can also pick up a Sigma DP-1, DP-2 or DP-3 for $200 off.


J&R is advertising an 8GB USB flashdrive for $8.99 and the Olympus VG-180 Digital Camerafor $53.99.


Update: Imaging Resources posted a list of deals after I published the ones above.  Their list includes other deals from Adorma, deals from B&H and a Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 used lens available from LensRentals.com.  ($14,995 vs $25,995 new.)

The Sigma lens is barely used, but there is no warranty or return offered on it.

EU to Tax Cameras!

Digital Camera World has an article today on a new annual tax to be levied on any camera with a value over 240 Euros.

I suspect this is an April Fool's Day joke.  Every mention I can find of this "camera tax" leads back to this one story.

The thing is, this isn't that far fetched given the things that the EU has done recently, including a ruling a couple of years ago that any camera capable of recording more than 30 minutes of video fell under the heading of camcorder for import/export classification.

That resulted in those cameras being subject to a 4.9% import duty.


And that's no joke.