VOTING ENDS MIDNIGHT JAN 31st (Pacific) Late last year we asked you to vote for your favorite products of the 2014 in four categories: best lens, best high-end compact camera, best enthusiast ILC and best high-end ILC. Voting ran through January 20th and the results are in! Click through to see the results of our 2014 readers' polls, and for a chance to vote on the overall winner, which we'll announce next month.
Phottix has introduced a new studio flash head that can be powered via the mains in a studio environment or through a portable battery pack when flash is needed in the field. The Phottix Indra 500TTL offers 500 watts of output across eight settings from full power to 1/128th power and, according to Phottix, it can be synchronised with shutter durations as short as 1/8000sec. Read more
Athentech has released the latest version of its auto-enhancement photo editor Perfectly Clear App for Android, bringing it up to version 4. With the latest update users are given several new features for further improving their photographs, as well as new detection algorithms for the Next Generation Beautify feature specifically. Click through for more details
DxO OpticsPro 10.2 is now available, joined by DxO ViewPoint 2.5.2 and DxO FilmPack 5.1. With this trio of updates, photographers will find new support for four more camera models: the Lumix DMC-LX100, Pentax K-S1, Sony A7 II, and the Samsung Galaxy S5. Hundreds of new camera and lens combinations have been added, the user interfaces have been improved, and more. Read more
Canon has released firmware updates for its EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X DSLRs. Both updates claim to improve the user's ability to control autofocus in Live View mode when wide angle lenses are used. Firmware 2.0.7 for the 1D-X also fixes a couple of issues, including a problem with vertical lines appearing when long exposures are used. Read more
DPReview is pleased to announce 'Photo Interactive Expo, PIX2015'. PIX2015 is a live-streamed photo show which will be taking place on May 2nd and 3rd 2015. A true celebration of photography, the show - which will be live-streamed here on DPReview.com and on our partner sites - will feature inspiring, entertaining, educational and interactive talks and demonstrations by leading photographers and industry experts. Click through to learn more
Canon has released its 2014 Q4 financial report, showing an overall profit increase but a continued slump in camera sales. Sales of office equipment are responsible for a 5.4 percent year-on-year upswing in operating profits in Q4, but the company reports that sales in its imaging business fell by 7.3% compared to the previous year. Read more
In 1984, photographer Jacobus Rentmeester photographed a then college-enrolled Michael Jordan for Time Magazine. The image was later licensed and ultimately reshot by Nike, who eventually used the reshot version as the basis for their Jordan 'Jumpman' logo. Rentmeester is now suing Nike for copyright infringement, but does he have a case? Continue reading
Instagram Web interface provider INK361 has introduced a new service for Instagram photographers that allows them to create temporary tattoos from their pictures. Once logged in to Instagram via the Picattoo website, users can select up to 12 of their own images to have made into 3x3cm square format prints on sheets of transfer material. Read more
The Panasonic Lumix GM5 is an almost unthinkably small Micro Four Thirds camera with a 16MP sensor, 3" 921k-dot touch screen, 1080/60p HD video and built-in Wi-Fi. It follows in the already tiny footsteps of the GM1, adding a built-in EVF and more external controls to that camera's point-and-shoot approach. Does it stand tall in a competitive enthusiast mirrorless class? Read more
Moment, a Seattle-based company that is known for its high-quality smartphone accessory lenses has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its latest product idea, the Moment case. The Moment case is a case for the Apple iPhone 6 that offers a two-stage shutter button, allowing you to half-press to lock focus and exposure. The connection to the phone is electronic without any mechanical components. The grip links to the iPhone via a low-energy bluetooth connection. Read more at connect.dpreview.com
The latest in Google's line of showcase devices - the Nexus 6 - was designed and built in cooperation with US company Motorola. The Nexus 6 comes with the same dual-LED ring flash as the Motorola Moto X and a 13MP imaging sensor. However, at F2.0 its aperture is a touch faster and it comes with an optical image stabilization system which should make for improved low light performance. Click through to read our detailed review of its camera's performance
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has created an open source camera system for use underwater to aid in research projects. The rig is composed of a GoPro camera and other easily sourced components, and is cheaper than commercially available oceanographic camera systems. Learn more
As the calendar flipped to 2015, we asked DPReview readers to look back at their photographic year and send us their favorite shots from 2014 so we could feature some standouts on our homepage. The response was overwhelming. We've sorted through 1400+ submissions and made selections of our favorites in three categories - people, places and things. Take a look at some of our readers' best work from the last year. See galleries
The winners of the 2014 Terry O’Neil Award have been announced, with Italian photographer Giorgio Bianchi collecting the first prize with a documentary series covering the crisis in Ukraine. Behind Kiev’s Barricades won Giorgio £3000 and a commission for the UK’s Guardian newspaper. Take a look at some of the winning images. See gallery
Sigma has acknowledged a problem that Pentax users are suffering from when the company’s 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM Contemporary lens is used on Pentax DSLR bodies with in-camera image stabilization activated. To rectify the issue the lens manufacturer has promised a firmware update for the lens, but hasn't yet specified a release date. Read more
Tamron has announced availability and pricing for its much-anticipated 15-30mm F/2.8 stabilized wide angle zoom. Set for availability on January 30th in Canon and Nikon mounts with Sony to follow later, the lens will retail for $1199. Read more
On the eve of the Super Bowl, legendary US-based sports publication 'Sports Illustrated' has laid off its remaining six full-time staff photographers. According to Sports Illustrated director of photography Brad Smith, speaking to News Photographer Magazine, the decision was made due to 'economic circumstances'. Click through to read more, including an interview with Jordan Stead, staff photographer for the Seattle Post Intelligencer.
Samsung has released a major firmware update for the NX1. Announced earlier this month, firmware v1.2 bring additional features, increased customization and several menu refinements. DPReview was one of the organizations that provided Samsung with feedback on the camera and shooting with the new firmware over the past couple of weeks has shown us that several of the requests we made have been incorporated. Read more
In a new blog post, Adobe has said Lightroom 6 will require a 64-bit operating system, meaning it will only run in 64-bit versions of Windows 7, or OS X 10.8 or newer. The announcement suggests Lightroom 6 will continue as a stand-alone application, rather than being swallowed into the company's subscription-only Creative Cloud program. Read more
Light & Motion has introduced a new GoPro companion light called the Sidekick, and is seeking funding for its production on Kickstarter. The Sidekick is designed to attach directly to the GoPro's existing mount, eliminating the need to carry an external light, though it retains some flexibility via an optional armature for positioning the light. Read more
Australian microphone maker RØDE has announced a new digital wireless system called RØDELink. It uses 2.4GHz transmission with 128-bit encryption while transmitting on two channels simultaneously. The system can monitor and change frequencies as needed to maintain the strongest signal, transmitting a 24-bit/44.1k signal up to 100 meters. The first product based on the system, the RØDELink Filmmaker Kit, will be of interest to digital filmmakers. Read more
Much of the talk on the internet since the launch of the D750 has been about flare, or the appearance of dark bands when bright light sources are just outside of the frame. Not all models are affected, and Nikon will service cameras that are affected for free. Nonetheless we wanted to see for ourselves what the problem looks like and how much of a cause for concern it should be for D750 owners. Read more
Nikon has just provided detailed instructions for D750 owners seeking to repairs to correct an issue related to flare. The company had previously announced plans to service affected cameras for free, and has just issued information that will help camera owners identify whether their unit is included under the advisory. Read more
The GF7 is the newest member of Panasonic's entry-level line of compact mirrorless cameras, this time with a heavy emphasis on social media. It takes many of its design cues from the Panasonic's stylish GM camera bodies, bringing fresh lines for a look that will appeal to photo purists. How does the new design influence the GF user experience? Read our preview to find out.
Panasonic has taken the wraps off the Lumix DMC-GF7, a retro-styled 16MP mirrorless camera with a 180-degree upward-tilting screen ready for - you guessed it - selfies. Internally, it shares much of the GM1/GM5's components including built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and a sensor it also shares with the Lumix GX7 offering 1080/60p HD video. Read more
UPDATED: Our initial samples gallery from the Sony a7 II saw the camera tested in a variety of real-world conditions, and now we've followed it up with even more samples from the mirrorless full-frame camera. Better yet, we tested it out in what is arguably one of the most photogenic places on Earth. And while it's nothing compared to actually taking a Hawaiian vacation, browsing through these samples is at least a small reprieve from the winter blues. See gallery
Manfrotto has introduced a new lineup of backpacks in its Off Road collection designed for outdoor photographers. The backpacks allow for both personal items and camera gear to be toted around, including the new walking sticks and tripods the company has also launched. Read more
Like many fine-art-nature photographers, Jory Vander Galien says that his passion for landscapes was ignited at a young age through National Geographic and Ansel Adams. How, he often finds himself at a location before dawn, ready to fight lightning and dust storms in order to capture the vast and volatile Southwest landscape. See his work and find out more in our Q&A. See gallery
Photo sharing website Flickr has published tables of its members' most used cameras and brands, in which Apple has overtaken Nikon for the first time. Canon remains the most popular brand used, according to Flickr's calculations, but in 2014 Apple knocked Nikon into third place, with Samsung moving ahead of Sony to take fourth. Read more
Canon has released an advisory note informing select PowerShot owners that their cameras might be affected by an issue with poor contact between the battery and battery terminal. Affected cameras include some PowerShot SX280 HS and S120 units among others, and owners are directed to check their serial numbers to see if their camera is included in the advisory. Read more
The Tamron 14-150mm f/3.5-5.8 Di III is a superzoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It offers a 28-300mm equivalent range and uses a stepper motor for silent autofocus (including during video recording). Because it does not include any form of image stabilization, we used it on an Olympus camera, specifically the OM-D E-M1, which has 5-axis sensor-based IS. See gallery
Olympus has released v2.0 firmware for its OM-D styled premium compact camera, the Stylus 1, which will enable users to fit a wide angle converter to the lens. The update also introduces useful features like focus peaking, 35mm equiv. step zoom, interval shooting and time lapse modes. Read more
Fujifilm has announced the X-A2, a new version of its X-A1 budget X-series mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, which incorporates mostly minor changes compared to its predecessor. Like the X-A1, the X-A2 uses a conventional Bayer-pattern CMOS sensor and offers virtually identical ergonomics but now comes with an LCD screen which tilts upwards to 175-degrees for selfies. Other improvements include the addition of Fujifilm's new 'Classic Chrome' film simulation mode. Click through for some images
Nikon USA has released a statement regarding the sudden disappearance of its D750 DSLR from US retailers. Just last week the company offered to repair D750's that have flare issues caused by the position of their AF sensors. The statement reads 'Nikon is working with retailers to replenish stock with cameras to which measures to address this issue have been applied. In late January, Nikon will announce details to service cameras from users, free of charge'.
Fujifilm has announced the X-A2, a mostly minor update to the X-A1. The X-A2 offers a 175-degree tilting LCD that flips upward for easier self-portrait capture. Like its predecessor the X-A2 provides a 16MP APS-C CMOS Bayer-pattern sensor, unlike its unconventional X-Trans siblings. Read more
Fujifilm has announced two zoom lenses which will be bundled with the new X-A2. The Fujinon XC16-50mm II F3.5-5.6 offers a 24-76mm equivalent range and has a closer minimum focusing distance than its predecessor. The XC50-230mm II F4.5-6.7 OIS provides a 76-350mm equivalent range on APS-C and improved image stabilization. Read more.
Fujifilm has announced the XQ2 premium compact camera which is the same as the XQ1, save for the addition of the Classic Chrome film simulation mode. As with its predecessor, the XQ2 features a 12 megapixel 2/3" X-Trans CMOS sensor, 25-100mm equiv. F1.8-4.9 lens, 1080/60p video, and built-in Wi-Fi. The XQ2 also has a customizable control ring around the lens for quickly adjusting your favorite settings. Read more.
Fujifilm has announced several new fixed lens compacts including the FinePix S9900W, S9800 and the rugged XP80. The S9900W and S9800 both offer 24-1200mm equivalent zoom lenses and 5-axis image stabilization (for video only), though only the S9900W offers built-in Wi-Fi. The XP80 dives deeper than its XP70 predecessor, improving on its 10m/33ft maximum depth up to 15m/50ft. Read more.
Gary Fong has launched a new online instructional service, giving photographers a way to become proficient with select camera models in a unique way. Rather than providing a rote list of video tutorials, users are presented with a virtual version of a camera model that is fully interactive: buttons can be pressed, switches can be toggled, and menus can be explored. Read more
Nikon has announced new Coolpix compacts outside North America. The beginner-friendly models include the Coolpix S3700, Coolpix S2900, Coolpix L31 and Coolpix L32. The S3700 provides Wi-Fi and NFC, while the L32 and L31 use AA batteries. Read more
Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology Company Limited, a new Chinese lens manufacturer, has introduced a 60mm lens under the Venus Optics brand name that it says can deliver 2x magnification macro photography. The f/2.8 manual focus lens is designed to cover both full frame and APS-C sensors for macro work, but will introduce vignetting when used at normal focus distances with the larger format. Read more
Thanks to a beta firmware version, Promote Control adds support for the Pentax 645Z. The remote shutter control connects to compatible cameras via USB and offers a variety of shooting features including HDR bracketing of up to 45 images, timelapse and long exposure shooting. Read more
Lighting manufacturer Metz is to introduce a new miniature flash unit designed for use with small cameras, such as premium hotshoe-equipped compacts and compact system bodies. With a maximum guide number of 26m/85 ft at ISO 100, the Mecablitz 26 AF-1 is many times more powerful than the flash units that come bundled with, or built-in to, this sort of camera - and indeed many don’t come equipped with a flash at all. Learn more
Since releasing the NX1 late last year, Samsung has been gathering feedback from users, and is preparing a major firmware update before the end of this month. We made time at CES in Las Vegas to sit down with Byungdeok Nam, Senior Vice President of Samsung's R&D team in the company's Mobile (formerly Digital Imaging) division, to speak about the NX1, the new firmware, and the mirrorless camera market in general. Click through to read our interview
Samsung has announced a major firmware update for the NX1, which is claimed to bring a host of improvements. Firmware v1.2 - available later this month - will bring additional features, increased customization and several menu refinements. DPReview was one of the organizations that provided Samsung with feedback on the camera and shooting with it over the past few days has shown a selection of the requests we made have been incorporated. Read more
Korean lens brand Samyang has released details of a 135mm lens it will bring to market with versions for stills and video photographers. The Samyang 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC stills lens will be accompanied by the Samyang 135mm T2.2 ED UMC VDSLR for cine and videographers. Read more
Canon wants to increase its domestic production over the next few years, something spurred by the falling value of the yen. According to Reuters, Canon is looking to increase its production in Japan from 40 percent of its overall output to 60 percent. Read more
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication," says wildlife and nature photographer Marsel van Oosten. A talented landscape and wildlife photographer, his imagery has been featured in a number of publications like National Geographic. Check out more of his work and peek inside his camera bag. See gallery
'It's all about the foreground'. Generations of landscape photographers learn this principle the moment they first pick up a camera. In this quick behind-the-shot look, professional landscape photographer Erez Marom argues for a compositional technique he calls the 'unforeground,' or lack of a defined foreground subject. Read more
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