Fujifilm X-T1 – Firmware Vr. 4.21 Fixes Malfunction
Notice
We have found a malfunction in the firmware ver.4.20 launched on December 17 2015, which rarely causes freeze when shooting in AF-C mode. So we will suspend the disclosure of this firmware right away.
We apologize for your inconvenience which this may cause.
We will post an upgraded firmware around the end of January 2016 to solve it.
As a tentative solution for customers who have upgraded their cameras to firmware ver.4.20, we have prepared the new firmware version of 4.21 whose functions are same as the previous version of 4.10. Please update your cameras to ver.4.21 to avoid the malfunction.
Change log
- We have found a malfunction in the firmware ver.4.20 launched on December 17 2015.
This firmware is a tentative solution and its function is same as the previous version of 4.10.
If you have upgraded your camera to ver.4.20, please update it again to ver.4.21 to avoid the malfunction.
Firmware Update
Tokina Announces AT-X 14-20mm F2 PRO DX Lens
Product Summary
- Model name : AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX
- Release Date: 25 December 2015
- Focus Type: Autofocus / Manual
- Format : APS-C
- Mounts: Canon | Nikon
- Availability: February 5, 2016 (Canon) | March 2016 (Nikon)
- Price: $ 899
- Purchase options:
Nikon – Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Canon – Adorama | B&H | Amazon
Key features
- 21-30mm Focal length ( 35mm equivalent )
- Fast F2 aperture
- 9 blade round aperture
- Quite & Fast Autofocus operation
- One-touch focus clutch
- Weather sealing mount
Press Release
Kenko Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that the launch and for for Canon Nikon “AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX” as an interchangeable lens for APS-C digital single-lens reflex camera.
Large-aperture wide-angle zoom lens of Tokina’s first open F value F2.0
When you set the ISO sensitivity low, the handheld shooting can be set to enough shutter speed. Also, shooting was taking advantage of the blur, in night photography, etc. open F value of 2.0 and delivers the preeminent power.
High precision plastic aspherical lens
essential to a wide-angle two-group zoom lens, the plastic aspherical lens further pursue the G02 of surface accuracy, it is in a strong design to ghost flare. Also, so as to obtain a clear imaging to peripheral angle of view of a wide-angle, we conducted the optimization of the anti-reflection coat.
Placement of high precision ultra-low dispersion glass mold aspherical lens
in the rear lens group, with ultra-low dispersion glass mold aspherical lens is placed two pieces of, various types of aberration correction result that is properly subjected to, open F value of 2.0 bright lens , we have realized the high resolution and low distortion throughout the zoom range.
Compact body and good operability
by a one-touch focus clutch, feeling at the time of manual focus, there is a moderate torque sense of focus ring, allowing precise focusing.
In APS-C size (DX format) of ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, provide an open F value of 2.0, also will deliver preeminent power in the moving image shooting.
Filter size C-PL filter in 82mm is also available.
Lens constitution
The power of the next generation “large-diameter F2.0 wide-angle zoom”
Tokina we have developed and released ahead of the F2.8 large-aperture ultra-wide-angle zoom to other companies. As future large aperture wide-angle zoom, achieving an open F value 2.0, it was also the challenge of Tokina planning and development. For the request of a large diameter single-focus lens from customers, the results of the examination answers as Tokina, while a zoom, AT-X was setting the optical specification that enables the equivalent imaging performance and single-focus lens 14 We started the development of -20 F2 PRO DX. As a new attempt to achieve an open F value of 2.0, sets the zoom range to the high frequency of use 14-20mm. This is, we finished the descriptive power that is comparable on the basis of the concept of “Choi and plus be a single-focus lens”, the AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX optical performance of a single-focus lens. This is a single-focus lens 14mm that already exists, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm (21mm in 35mm format, 24mm, 27mm, 30mm) covers the 4 duty of, and yet, exert enough imaging performance from the open F2.0 In order to, we are incorporating the optical design concept of the new development. If you set low ISO sensitivity, you can set the handheld shooting in fully possible shutter speed. Also, shooting was taking advantage of the blur, the open F value of 2.0 in nighttime shooting is quite useful.
Tokina has defeated the traditional concept, the large aperture wide-angle zoom unparalleled. Please enjoy the descriptive power.
Product Photo
Sample Image
Photo Courtesy : Ryosuke Takahashi
Specification
| Focus distance | 14-20mm |
| Brightness | F2 |
| Supported formats | Dedicated digital APS-C size |
| Minimum aperture | F22 |
| Lens constitution | 11 -13 sheets group |
| coating | Multilayer coating |
| Picture angle | 91.68°-70.75° |
| Filter Size | 82mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.28m |
| Macro maximum magnification | 1：8.36 |
| Focus method | Internal focus |
| Aperture number of blades | 9 (circular) |
| weight | 735g |
| Hood (included) | BH-823 |
| Corresponding mount | Nikon mount
Canon mount |
Sony World Photography Awards ($30,000 Prize Money) Submission Deadline – Ending Soon!
Just 2 weeks left to enter the world’s biggest photography competition
Prizes include $30,000 cash prizes, global exposure and Sony digital imaging equipment
With just two weeks left to enter the 2016 Sony World Photography Awards, we encourage photographers from around the world to submit their best pictures shot in 2015 for free at http://www.worldphoto.org/about-the-sony-world-photography-awards/
Competition deadlines
Open / Youth / National Awards: 5 January 2016
Professional: 12 January 2016
Prizes and Exhibition
The awards’ prizes include the latest Sony digital imaging equipment, inclusion in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition at Somerset House, London, global exposure, inclusion in the 2016 awards’ book and $30,000 (USD) for the overall winners
Nikon COOLPIX P610 – New Firmware Version 1.2
Nikon COOLPIX P610 Firmware Update, Version 1.2
Change log
- Fixed an issue that resulted in Points of Interest (POI) for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan not displaying correctly.
Download Firmware Update
Fujifilm X-T1 – New Firmware Version 4.20
Fujifilm X-T1 Firmware Update, Version 4.20
Valhalla, N.Y., December 17, 2015 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation announced a new Firmware Update V.4.20 for the FUJIFILM X-T1 and X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition X-Series digital cameras that includes updated auto focus system features. Users will also experience instant auto focus that can now be locked when using manual focus for still images and video, Optional Flashgun in Bracketing/Continuous shooting, Focus Zoom, additional Custom Display options, and the movie-record button now doubles as an FN button – all for enhanced visibility and image composition, and longer camera lifespan. The new firmware will be available for free on December 17.
Firmware update coming December 2015 (X-T1 Graphite Silver and X-T1 Black)
The free, comprehensive firmware update coming on December 17 is specially designed for the FUJIFILM X-T1 and FUJIFILM X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition, and will give users thrilling new features and controls to dramatically enhance their X-T1 shooting experience, including:
Change log
1. Instant AF Setting in manual focus – Focus and exposure can now be locked when the AF-L button is used in manual focus mode. You can shoot after locking AF and AE with your thumb.
2. AF+MF operation with AF-L button – The AF-L button can be used to lock focus in AF+MF mode and you can adjust the focus more accurately using the lens’s focusing ring.
3. Focus zoom in AF+MF – The FOCUS ASSIST button can be used for focus zoom and fine tuning focus using the lens’s focusing ring with focus zoom activated.
4. Flashgun in Bracketing/Continuous Shooting – Optional flashguns can now be used for bracketing and burst photography. When using the EF-X8, which is bundled with the X-T1, the flash fires in ISO, FILM SIMULATION and WHITE BALANCE BKT modes.
5. Additional Custom Display Options – Functions have been added to the DISPLAY CUSTOM SETTING option in the setup menu. Users can choose what they want, then concentrate on shooting. Additional options include: Focus frame/Shooting mode / Information background /Focus mode/Shutter Type/Continuous mode/Dual IS mode/Movie mode /Blur warning
6. Fn7 Button – The movie-record button now doubles as an Fn button (Fn7). Press and hold DISP/BACK to select what it controls.
Download Firmware Update
Pentax K-S2 – New Firmware Version 1.11
Pentax K-S2 Firmware Update, Version 1.11
Change log
- Improved tracking performance for ASTRO TRACER of O-GPS1.
Download Firmware
Sigma Photo Pro 6.3.1 Update for Mac OS X El Capitan
SIGMA Photo Pro 6.3.1 for Macintosh
Change Log
Ver.6.3.1
・Compatible with Mac OS X El Capitan v10.11.
Download Sigma Photo Pro for Mac
Pentax Updates Full Frame Teaser
“The new Pentax 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera is equipped with an image sensor for 35 mm full-size images and uses the K-mount lens system. The camera is compatible with all K-mount lenses, such as the FA lenses, which can be used with the same angle of view as with 35mm film cameras. As for the APS-C-size image sensor, the DA lens series, the cropping function makes it possible to use the APS-C-size center portion of an image. By changing the settings, you can also choose a 35mm full-frame angle of view. The D FA lens series—which is beautifully suited to digital images—covers all of these capabilities, including, of course, the 35-mm full-size angle of view.”
Sample Image
*smc PENTAX-FA 24mm F2AL[IF] lens, Shutter speed: 1/1600, Aperture: F10, ISO: 400
*smc PENTAX-FA 85mm F1.4[IF] lens, Shutter speed: 1/160, Aperture: F1.8, ISO: 100
*shot with a camera under development.
Nikon D5 Images Leaked
Nikon Rumors has published first leaked images of Upcoming Nikon D5. They also pointed out that Nikon D5 will have 153 autofocus point and native ISO of 102,400. Nikon D5 is expected to arrive in early 2016. We may see it in CES January 2016.
courtesy : Nikonrumors.com
Nikon Camera Control Pro 2.22.1 Download
Nikon has released Camera Control Pro 2.22.1 ($149.95), now supports OS X 10.11. The latest Nikon ViewNX-i & Capture NX-D are now ‘bundled’ into one installer (together with Picture Control Utility and the new Message Center).
Features
- OS X 10.11 is now supported
- OS X 10.8 is no longer supported
Download link
Nikon Wireless Transmitter Utility 1.5.6 Download
Nikon has released Wireless Transmitter Utility 1.5.6 and got OS X 10.11 support. The latest Nikon ViewNX-i & Capture NX-D are now ‘bundled’ into one installer (together with Picture Control Utility and the new Message Center).
Download Link
Nikon Message Center 2 version 2.2.0 Download
Nikon has released Message Center 2 version 2.2.0. Now available for download.
Change log
- Added support for Turkish
- Added support for OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)
Download Link
Nikon D3300 Review
What makes a photograph interesting? Which point all successful photographers have in common !! The answer is simple – Two things can make a photograph interesting. First is the MOMENT & 2nd the COMPOSITION. A good picture may have both or either of the two. So to get an exciting image I don’t need the best gear or powerful computer for post processing. The Nikon D3300 is a decent camera to begin with for those who love photography.
Look & Feel
The D3300 is small DSLR and very easy to carry around. The poly-carbonate lightweight body is strong enough to withstand the pressure of average use. The standard kit comes with a AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens. It has Retractable lens barrel which makes it very compact. The Camera itself is almost like its predecessor Nikon D3200 with some few changes. The top panel has speaker next to the mode dial. On the back the position of right sided buttons have been rearranged.
Due to small size of the camera my hand was covering all buttons on the back. Occasionally this caused unwanted setting changes while using the camera – little annoying.
Connectivity
The camera has all the basic connectivity options nothing special. No WiFi or GPS. The accessory terminal port which is located above the external microphone connector can be used to add GPS or Wireless Remote Controller unit. There is an Infrared receiver at the front of the camera which works in combination with optional ML-L3 remote control.
Auto-Focus Performance
Nikon D3300 comes with a 11 point autofocus system out of which only the center point is cross type. In real world the camera performs well in good lighting condition. In an overcast day it faces difficulty in focusing in subject lacking contrast. The focusing speed is average which is ok for the beginners but not for advance amature.
Image Quality
The D3300 can capture image in jpeg as well as 12bit compressed RAW format. It doesn’t have uncompressed or loss-less compressed RAW option. To get the maximum quality I usually shot in RAW. At 100% even with Nikon’s best lenses the images can be little soft compared to higher end Nikon DX cameras. But this is not a limiting factor for creating decent image. And in sunny environment you will hardly notice it. Overall I’m pleased with the camera in terms of image quality. The following examples show how images look even at 100% zoom –
ISO Performance & Exposure Tolerance
Even though Nikon D3300 is an entry level model Nikon incorporated ISO as high as 25600. The base ISO extends from 100 to 12800. The noise performance at ISO 100 to 400 is very good. Since its a 24 Megapixel camera and we don’t regularly make poster size print, noise will not be an issue even at high ISO of 1600. The color fidelity is more than acceptable.
Read Full Review Here – Nikon D3300 Dynamic Range & ISO Performance Test
Like all recent Nikon cameras D3300 has the ability to capture huge amount of data when it comes to dynamic range. As a result you can recover highlight and shadow details even from an poorly exposed RAW file. In following examples watch the histogram of the original image and image processed in RAW software. It clearly shows the immense capability the Nikon D3300 sensor holds.
Sample Images
Conclusion
In photography its the Man behind the machine that makes the image. With camera like Nikon D3300 its possible to create beautiful images easily. And for beginners and casual shooter it has more to offer than they need.
Pentax Full Frame – Coming in Spring 2016
PENTAX has always been a unique brand of camera. Never one to imitate other makes, PENTAX has stuck to its pursuit of original value to create high-performance cameras used and loved by pros and amateur photographers alike.
Coming up in spring 2016!
PENTAX is launching a full frame digital SLR, brand-new format for PENTAX.
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II – New Firmware Version 2.1
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II Firmware Update, Version 2.1
Change log
This firmware update resolves the following issues that may occur in firmware version 2.0:
- When recording movies using the OLYMPUS Capture version 1.1, the Touch AF display on the OLYMPUS Capture cannot be cancelled.
- When an electronic zoom lens is in use, the zoom does not automatically adjust to the wide-angle position even if the monitor is tilted to the self-portrait position.
Firmware Update
Adobe Releases Photoshop CC 2015.1 Update
Adobe has released Photoshop CC 2015 update version 2015.1 for both Mac and Windows.
Enhancements:
- Reintroduced the Oil Paint filter
- New “Graphic and Web” workspace
- Support sRGB export with new Export As options
- Ability to resize the Export As dialog
- Improved PNG interface in the Export As dialog (for exporting to PNG-32 or PNG-8)
- Saved file type and quality settings between Exports
- Improved stability of Device Preview connection, and added more troubleshooting options
- Set type layer position on canvas (X/Y) in the Properties panel
- Option to skip transform when placing Smart Objects on canvas
- Added an option to save to Libraries when pasting a Smart Object from Illustrator
- Improvements to Copy/Paste/Drag between documents, clipboard and CC Libraries
- Improve the display of artboard names, allow them to be turned off
- Artboard and marquee snapping improvements
- Added artboard preference for matte color and border type
- Align command now works with single selected layer within artboard (artboard is implicitly selected)
- Artboard custom presets now show up in the Artboard tool bar/property presets menu
- Prevent Locked Layers from being auto-nested in artboards
- Allow artboards to lock position
- Added keyboard modifier (shift) to determine if layers get added to bottom of groups
- Better default shape stroke value (1 px instead of 3 pt)
- Added 16pt as one of the preset values in the font size drop-down
- Hyphenation now defaults to Off
- Added several items to Designer Favorites in Glyph panel
- Maintain selected glyph when switching fonts
- Selecting a single glyph on canvas selects the glyph in Glyph panel
- Added option for “diffusion” to Healing Brush, to reduce artifacts in some situations
- Improved baseline alignment of many dialogs and widgets
- Improved document presets with new iPad Pro, updated presets with DCI 4k, 8K, and moved HDTV up the list
- Disabled the “no layers selected” error when clicking with Move tool outside the canvas
- Dramatically reduced file sizes for 16- and 32-bit PSDs when “Max compatibility” is unchecked
Issues Fixed
- Crop tool flickers, changes size when nudging
- Long delay when trying to use Scrubby Zoom tool on Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
- Script UI – only one image displayed when graphics.drawImage is called more than once
- Crash when using Color Range command with fuzziness set to zero
- Artboards with height greater than 10,000px show extra white area on left or right in Device Preview
- Pasting content into Vanishing Point on Retina Mac gives incorrect bounds
- Layers dragged from one doc to another doc where the target is inside an artboard are placed in the very top of the list
- 3rd party plug-ins in the 6th slot don’t work correctly if more than 6 3rd party plug ins are installed
- ScriptUI – window.location not working
- Copy/Paste Layer style works incorrectly
- Splash screen surrounded by gray box instead of drop shadow (Windows only)
- Export As on new documents: Image is empty
- Healing Brush adding unwanted color cast to result
- Create Layer from effect reverses layer z-order
- Metadata lost when opening JPEGs on Windows 7
- Duplicate Layer command puts new layers at top of artboard stack, not above source layer like it should
- Filter Gallery gives error on Mac OS X 10.10 and 10.11 in Chinese Languages
- Crash when scrolling while using Pen Tool
- Crash on launch with corrupt librarylookupfile (Library panel)
- Direct Selection & Path Selection Tool +/- shortcuts broken
- Export As dialog comes on wrong monitor & partially off-screen (not accessible & can’t be moved) on some dual monitor setups
- ExtendScript – Key event callbacks not working
- Image appears all black when dragged to second monitor (Mac only)
- Liquify can’t be invoked via script
- When in a modal dialog, panel scrollbars are disabled (Windows only)
- Save For Web – Dialog is too big for Surface Pro 3 screen
- In certain rare circumstances image data could become corrupted if placed image was added/edited during bad state
Download Photoshop CC 2015.1 / 16.1 Update
CC 2015.1/16.1 – Mac
CC 2015.1/16.1 – Windows (64bit)
CC 2015.1/16.1 – Windows (32bit)
Pentax 645Z IR – Infrared Version Of Its Medium Format 645Z Camera
Ricoh announces, the development of a medium format digital SLR(IR) camera. The infrared (IR) region that is not visible to the human eye can be taken with “PENTAX 645Z IR”.
More info at Pentax site
Phase One Capture One Pro 9
New features in Capture One Pro 9
- An extra activation
- Capture One Colors for DNG
- Color Editor Interface
- Camera Battery Status Indicator
- Contrast Engine
- Export Originals as EIP (Catalog)
- Flow and Airbrush Masking
- Keyword and Libraries Tool
- Local Adjustment Curves
- Luma Curves (Scalable)
- Rescaling Engine
- Straight Line Brushing
- Effective and easy masking for product and other objects with straight edges.
Press release
Phase One Releases Capture One Pro 9 for Working Photographers
Unleashes Unprecedented Power, Precision and Quality
COPENHAGEN, November 30, 2015 — Phase One, creator of the world’s finest open-platform, high-end camera systems and professional imaging software today released Capture One Pro 9. Known for its outstanding tethered capture capability, high-quality raw conversion, and precision image editing tools, Capture One Pro is already considered by 100,000 of the world’s leading photographers to be the best image capture application.
Capture One Pro 9 introduces many new image quality precision tools, including a completely updated contrast engine. Capture One Pro 9 also brings powerful new asset management capabilities, including unprecedented sortable keywords capability. It has been designed to help speed the image-management process for volume keyword applications. Besides new physical workflow features, Capture One Pro 9 also gives customers three activations for each standard license to support on-location activation management, as requested by photographers.
NEW IMAGE EDITING TOOLS
Revised contrast engine – Changes have been made to the algorithms of color, saturation and contrast. And the color editor has been revised to align design with the color balance tool. Handles are made easier to use and adjust, and the tool is now scalable when undocked.
Masks from color editor – The color editor now allows the user to make a mask from a color edit.
New Brush pack – Tool changes include the addition of flow, airbrush, straight line brushing, and the ability to link brushes.
Luma curves and local curves – Added to the curve tool palette, Luma curves can be used to create contrast curves without affecting saturation. Also, curves can be used locally.
Battery status for toolbar – This new tool can be placed on the tool bar where it gives a power supply overview to the attached tethered camera, warning photographers of low power during a shoot.
Export EIP for catalogs – Catalog users can now benefit from EIP export for easy transportation of RAW and Settings, off system. In the Export originals panel, there is now an option to Export as EIP. Sessions users can also choose to Export originals. This creates a workflow in which the original RAW and adjustments are not packed – instead a copy is made, packed as EIP.
DNG colors – This new feature allows Capture One Pro to treat and display supported camera files that have been converted to DNG (and include the RAW file in the DNG package), as if in their original format.
NEW ASSET MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Keywords Tool – Keywords may be added and removed from images. The standard Capture One tool tips for local reset, local copy apply, pre-sets and help are available for this tool.
Keyword Libraries – Used to manage the list (or lists) of keywords in a catalog or a session. As the Keywords tool adds keywords to images, the document Keyword Library is populated. This forms a keyword list for any and all terms in the current document and is unique for the session or the catalog.
Sortable Keywords – Unique to Capture One Pro 9, users are able to reorder keywords in the Keywords tool for single image selections.
Originally developed to render the exceptional image quality captured by medium format Phase One camera systems, today Capture One Pro supports more than 400 different camera models. Capture One Pro is designed with more than enough available “headroom” to satisfy requirements for the highest resolution now and in the future. Whether or not photographers own a Phase One camera, all photographers can benefit from Capture One Pro’s exceptional image quality and workflow advantages.
“Capture One Pro is essential for all commercial shoots; we use nothing else,” said Jonathan Rose, Company Director, DigiBoutique Ltd.
“Capture One Pro 9 is all about quality of life improvements for working photographers – whether they’re in the studio, or shooting landscape or portraits,” said Henrik O. Håkonsson, President, Phase One. “And those who are switching or stepping up from mainstream software might now find that Capture One Pro meets more, if not all, of their needs, beyond its legendary raw conversion capabilities.”
For illustrative & tutorial videos and details on all the new and improved features in Capture One Pro 9, including new cameras and lenses supported, please go to: www.phaseone.com/tutorials
Availability and Pricing
Capture One Pro 9 is available now for the Mac and Windows operating systems online atwww.phaseone.com/store and from Phase One authorized partners worldwide. www.phaseone.com/partners. New with this release, each license permits three activations.
New customers can purchase Capture One Pro 9 for 299 USD or 279 EUR. Owners of previous versions of Capture One Pro 7 and 8 may upgrade for 99 USD or 99 EUR. For customers who have purchased Capture One Pro 8 since October 30, 2015, Phase One is offering a grace period, exempting them from the upgrade fee. Eligible customers should contact support www.phaseone.com/support to have their keys upgraded.
Capture One Pro is also available by subscription. Capture One Pro 8 subscribers can simply download the new Capture One Pro 9 release. A single-user subscription is 15 USD / 12 EUR per month for a 12-month plan. Please see all subscription options at www.phaseone.com/store
Additional Videos
Purchase options
Available at B&H