News archive for September 2011

DSLR video accessory specialist Redrock Micro has created a Canon EF to Micro Four Thirds lens adapter. The LiveLens MFT adds the electronics required to control the aperture on the mounted EOS lenses. A 9V battery and a touch-panel allows the adapter to specify the lens aperture in 1/3EV steps. The adapter costs $442.50 and is available directly from the manufacturer's website. (Via Photography Blog)

Updated Sony SLT A-77 studio comparison RAW shots. We've just re-processed our A-77 shots of the standard studio test scene with the latest version of Adobe Camera RAW - ACR 6.5. (we had originally used a beta version of ACR 6.5). The differences are fairly minimal but the updated shots are are now available in the comparison tool.

Photo sharing site Flickr has launched an Android app for uploading, browsing and processing images. The image processing - which allows the application of ten filters and effects - is one of a number of features not included in the equivalent iOS app. These features put it squarely into competition with the popular, iOS-only 'Instagram' processing and sharing service. Flickr says an iOS version will follow 'in the coming months.'

Yahoo has reiterated its commitment to Flickr, adding a 'Photo Session' feature to the photo sharing website. Photo Session allows the user to invite friends and family to join-in real-time slideshow/presentations, during which participants can chat about and even sketch on the images being show.

Carolyn E. Wright is an attorney who specializes in the legal needs of photographers. In this article she explains how the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) can help to get your images removed from websites that display them without your permission (Please note that the DMCA is US legislation. While this law is not available in other jurisdictions, copyright law is similar in countries that are signatories to the Berne convention).

Adobe has released Photoshop Lightroom 3.5 and Camera Raw 6.5. These are final versions of updates that were originally posted as 'release candidates' on the Adobe Labs site, and are available for immediate download. The latest versions provide final RAW support for 15 additional cameras including the Olympus E-P3, E-PL3 and E-PM1, Panasonic G3 and GF3, Pentax Q, and Sony NEX-C3, NEX-5N, SLT-A35, SLT-A65 and SLT-A77. A number of digital backs from Leaf and Phase One are also now supported.

A few weeks ago we launched our articles section and we promised that you'd soon be able to create your own articles, photo blogs and other personal content using our newly-developed browser-based editor and content manager. We're excited to announce that today we've opened up access to this cool new tool for all registered members. Find out more after the link...

For many photographers Scott Kelby's Photoshop 'how-to' books are the standard by which others are judged. As Adobe releases new versions of Photoshop, Scott Kelby rewrites his manual to the program to address relevant changes and upgrades. Click through to read Adam Koplan's review of the latest edition of this popular book which covers Photoshop CS5.

We have just updated our previously posted samples gallery from the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA. Our previous gallery was shot exclusively using the NEX-7 but these latest samples were shot with the NEX-5N. Together, these samples should give you a good overall indication of how the lens performs in front of both 24MP and 16MP sensors. As usual we've tried to shoot the lens in a variety of conditions and at a variety of apertures to give an idea about how it behaves.

Steve Davey is a professional landscape and travel photographer. In this article he shares some of his favorite images and tells us about his experiences, his methods and the gear he takes with him when working on the road.

ACD Systems has announced the launch of ACDSee Pro 5 and ACDSee version 14. Pro 5 builds on the software's database and organization heritage by gaining image editing tools such as Dodge and Burn, split toning and sharpening tools. This is in addition to its Raw conversion capabilities. Meanwhile, ACDSee v14 adds geotagging options, improved metadata tools and the special effects and drawing tools that are also new to Pro 5. Alongside the launches, the company has announced ACDSee Online, a Raw-capable cloud-based storage and archiving service that doesn't require ownership of the company's software.

Nikon has announced version 2.2.8 of its Capture NX image editing software. The latest version resolves minor bugs and extends Raw support to the recently released Nikon 1 V1 and J1 mirrorless cameras, and the Coolpix P7100 enthusiasts' compact. 

We have just posted studio test samples from the Sony SLT-A77. In the process of working on the forthcoming in-depth review of the A77, we have shot our standard studio test scene. To allow easy comparison with its peers, we have now added these shots to our comparison tool, found in our existing reviews. The A77 can now be selected from the pull-down list within any review or our standalone comparsion tool.

Image processor maker Ambarella has announced the A7L stills and HD video chip is available. The latest processor is designed for use with the fast-readout CMOS sensors now appearing in cameras and can capture 1080p60 video or up to 30 16MP images per second. It features multi-frame High ISO capture/combination and on-chip HDR processing. It can also conduct real-time lens distortion correction for use with compact wide-angle lenses. It is the company's first processor to be built on 32nm-scale technology and offers 40% lower power consumption than its current A7 processor.

Sony has posted a note on its support site saying it will modify NEX-5N cameras of users troubled by clicking noises during video recording. The company points out that the phenomenon only occurs: 'if the camera undergoes sudden motion while recording; motion generally inconsistent with smooth video recording.' But has said it will make an 'adjustment' to the cameras (during the warranty period) of users who feel they're likely to encounter the issue. The company doesn't say that only people combining jogging with their videography need apply, but...

In this second part of our 2-part primer, we look at who's who in the consumer 3D video market, and how they see the market evolving. What is driving the current upsurge of 3D? Improvements in the technology, pressure from manufacturers desperate to create and monitize the next 'big thing' in consumer electronics, or consumers themselves? Read our article to find out.

The British Journal of Photography has published two articles about photographers using the iPad and Apple's App Store to make money from their work. In one, publisher Michael Mack explains the logic and challenges of producing photography books for tablets. Meanwhile National Geographic photographer Michael Nichols explains why an attempt to update his website ended up with him selling an app through Apple's store. (BJoP via PetaPixel)

Barnaby Britton takes a look at the work of New York photographer Saul Leiter. Although not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Leiter is considered one of the most interesting photographers of his generation. This collection, 'Early Color' showcases some of his early experiments with color film and reveals a unique eye.

We've published a gallery of 23 images shot with the Nikon J1. We've shot a selection of images using the Nikon J1 - the simpler of the company's two 'Nikon 1' cameras. Combined with the 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, we've taken a variety of real-world images in a variety of light conditions. Given all the controversy the J1 and V1 have generated, we thought it made sense to look at some of its images. We've also included 5 raw files for you to examine.

Josie Reavely writes about how to capture something interesting and different from the coast. Beautiful seascapes shot in stunning locations can really enhance your image collection. Read the tips in this article to increase your chances of success and get your images of the coastline to the next level.

We've had a little more time with the Nikon J1 and V1, and have prepared a first impressions article about the Nikon 1 system. We also spoke to Masahiro Suzuki, General Manager, R&D Department at Nikon's development HQ, to better understand the company's reasoning. The article includes an explanation of their high-speed shooting modes and addresses why the mode dial doesn't say P,A,S or M.

Nikon has announced the V1 enthusiast small sensor mirrorless camera. Built around what the company is calling a 'CX' format 10MP CMOS sensors, the cameras is part of the company's new Nikon 1 line. The V1 is intended as the higher-end model in the lineup and features magnesium alloy construction and a 1.4M dot electronic viewfinder. It also has an accessory port allowing the connection of the SB-N5 mini speedlight or GP-N100 GPS unit. Unlike the J1, it can switch between mechanical and electronic shutter. In common with the J1, in can shoot 1080i60 or 1080p30 video and combines phase detection and contrast detection autofocus, in movie shooting or 10fps continuous bursts. The 1" type sensor (13.2mm x 8.8mm) gives a 2.7x crop. The V1 kit with 10-30mm (27-81mm equiv.) lens will be $899.95 and will be available around October 20th. An adapter allowing the use of Nikon F-mount lenses will follow.

Nikon has announced the J1 small sensor mirrorless camera. The J1 is the more compact, less expensive model in the line up and, like the V1, features Hybrid autofocus (combining phase detection and contrast detection AF) that allows the camera to shoot at up to 10 frames-per-second with autofocus. The J1 has only an electronic shutter, limiting sync speed to 1/60th of a second but allowing shutter speeds of up to 1/16000th of a second. It's built around a 1" type (13.2mm x 8.8mm) 10MP CMOS sensor, giving a 2.7x crop, which Nikon is calling 'CX' format. Like the V1, it can shoot 1080i60 video. The J1 kit with 10-30mm (27-81mm equiv.) lens will be $649.95. Again, the J1 is expected to arrive in the US around October 20th.

Live report from the New York launch of the Nikon 1 system. Dpreview.com attended the unveiling of Nikon's new mirrorless camera system, which included the launch of the J1 and V1 cameras. We had a chance to handle the cameras and their associated accessories. Here are our images from the event, including mock-ups of possible future lenses.

Alongside the J1 and V1, Nikon has launched four lenses for its Nikon 1 system. The lenses, designed for the 1"-type CX sensors, start with the 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm F3.5-5.6, 27-81mm equivalent kit zoom. In additon there will be a 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm F3.8-5.6 lens, which gives a 81-297mm equiv range. Finally there will be the 27mm equiv. 1 Nikkor 10mm F2.8 pancake lens. There will also be a 1 Nikkor VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 (27-270mm equivalent) power zoom lens for video capture.

We've published our Olympus PEN Lite/E-PL3 review along with studio comparison shots fron the Sony NEX-5N. The E-PL3 squeezes much of the capability of its big brother, the E-P3, into a smaller, simplified body. It gains the faster autofocus and Full HD (60i) video of the third-generation PEN models, while it also adds a tilting LCD and 5fps burst shooting mode. These all represent significant improvements over the larger, heavier E-PL2 it replaces. Could this be the mirrorless model that would-be compact camera upgraders should be looking to?

We've published our review of the Sony SLT-A35. This latest model in Sony's series of 'translucent mirror' cameras incorporates almost all the features of the original A33 and A55 but includes what Sony promises is an improved 16MP sensor, and handful of extra processing options. The only real losses compared to the A33 are the articulated rear screen and $50 from the MSRP of the 18-55mm lens kit, taking it down to $699. Is this enough to compete in the crowded entry-level segment? Read our review to find out.

Canon has announced that three of its recently released wireless all-in-one PIXMA printers can now support 'AirPrint' wireless printing from Apple iOS devices. The PIXMA MG8220, MG6220 and MG5320 all gain the ability to print wirelessly from the iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 4 and iPod touches (3rd generation or newer), running iOS 4.2 or later. Canon also says it will offer AirPrint support on the majortiy of future models.

Instagram has updated its popular free image processing and sharing app to version 2.0, adding an revised interface and more features. Instagram v2.0 includes an improved user interface, faster image processing and the ability to save its processed images at higher resolution. The app still only shares low-res versions of files but allows you to save full resolution versions to your 'phone (10x larger in the case of the iPhone 4). The latest version also adds four more processing filters and the option to add or remove borders from the existing ones.

Adobe has released version 10 of its Photoshop Elements image-editing software. New features include Guided Edits, which guide users step-by-step through the process of achieving certain image looks, and a range of image organization options. Several tools have been updated too, including the text and crop tools. There's also an option to upload videos directly to sharing sites such as Facebook and YouTube. The software will be available shortly for $99.99, alternatively users of any previous version can upgrade for $79.99. The company has simultaneously released version 10 of its Premiere Elements video-editing software at the same price; a bundle containing both programs will also be available for $149.99.

Olympus 45mm F1.8 first impressions and preview samples. The recent spate of camera and lens announcements has given us the chance to use the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.8. Given how long we've been asking manufacturers for a portrait lens in the 100mm-equivalent region, we pounced on this when it came into the office. As well as a preview samples gallery, we've also prepared some first impressions of shooting with the Micro Four Thirds 'Family Portrait' lens.

Whether it’s on a recreational level or part of the pro race scene, access to mountain bike photography is usually very straightforward. A DSLR with a standard zoom lens is all the kit you need. Read the technique tips in this article and you are ready to get started.

In this latest part of his series on macro photography Erez Marom demonstrates the important role the background plays in creating a successful macro photograph. Learn how to take control of this image-defining element.

Just Posted: Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA preview samples gallery. At the press launch we've had a chance to shoot with Sony's latest E-mount prime lens: the Zeiss-branded 36mm equivalent 24mm F1.8 ZA. We've been shooting the lens on a pre-production NEX-7 to show its performance in front of a 24MP sensor. As usual we've tried to shoot the lens in a variety of conditions and at a variety of apertures to give an idea about how it behaves.

Ricoh has announced it will update the firmware of its GRD III enthusiast compact camera. The update, due in mid October, is the fifth feature-adding revision for the high-end model and includes several additional features that have come from its GXR and GRD IV cameras. These include the ability to assign an additional option to the 'Adj.' lever and the locking of the power button if the optional new GL-1 metal lens cap is fitted. The company says this will be the final update for the GRD III.

Jody Kingzett is a London based commercial and PR photographer. Read our profile and interview to find out how he started his career, what inspires him and what equipment he prefers to shoot with.

Just Posted: Canon PowerShot S100 hands-on preview. We've had a chance to use the S100 and find just what's changed from the much-liked S95. The example we had was too early for us to be allowed to shoot with but we've studied the details (such as the maximum available aperture through its zoom range), to give you an idea of what Canon's latest enthusiast compact brings.

Just Posted: Ricoh GR Digital IV hands-on preview. We've been loaned a pre-production GRD 4, which we've closely examined to see what this latest model offers. Although the core specification (28mm equiv. lens and 10MP CCD sensor) appear unchanged, there have been plenty of updates. These include the addition of image stabilization, 'Hybrid AF' and the first application we've seen of Sony's 'WhiteMagic' RGBW high-res LCD. Click here to find out how Ricoh has refreshed its high-end enthusiast compact.

Adam Koplan reviews the third edition of Magnum photographer Bruce Davidson’s classic series of images of New York City subway riders from all walks of life - including 25 never-before-published photos.

Canon has announced the PowerShot S100 - the latest in its line of small enthusiast compacts. The S100 features a broader, 5x lens range (24-120mm equiv.), the company's latest image stabilization and built-in GPS. The interesting specification, from our perspective, is the 12MP CMOS sensor. It's the company's second compact camera sensor, following the slightly disappointing example in 2008's PowerShot SX1. As with the S95, the sensor remains of the larger 1/1.7" type used in high-end compacts.

Canon has launched the PowerShot SX40 HS - a 12MP CMOS-based superzoom with 35x zoom. The SX40 steps into the place of the SX30 and offers a 24-840mm equivalent zoom range. It can shoot at up to 10.3 frames per second for 8 shots and can capture 1080p24 HD video. An 'Intelligent IS' system attempts to assess the shooting conditions and use the most appropriate stabilization mode, to make the camera's huge lens range usable.

Ricoh has unveiled the Ricoh GR Digital IV - the latest in its series of high-end, fixed focal-length compacts. The GRD IV is still built around a 10MP 1/1.7" CCD sensor but gains sensor-shift image stabilization. It also adds 'Hybrid AF' that uses twin CMOS AF sensors allowing the camera to assess focus distance and bring focus times down to 0.2 sec (twice the speed of the GRD III). This, combined with the camera's distinctly photographer-focused interface and compact size, prompts the company to tout the GR Digital IV as a street-shooting tool. The camera also gains a high-resolution RGBW 1.23M dot LCD. There will also be a limited-edition white version for the first time.

Richard Franiec has announced that his accessory grip for the Olympus E-PL3 will start shipping on September 15th and has confirmed it will fit the PEN Mini (E-PM1). The aluminium grips are available at a cost of $34.95 plus shipping.

Just Posted: Sony NEX-7 pre-production samples gallery. We've been shooting at the press launch of Sony's latest cameras, affording us a chance to shoot with a pre-production NEX-7. We've put together a samples gallery in a variety of lighting conditions, giving an idea of what the camera will be capable of. We've also tried its sweep-panorama mode in circumstances where conventional panorama shooting would have been challenging. We'll be adding to the gallery over the coming days.

Strobe lights, reflectors and translucent backdrops are not limited to the pristine confines of a studio. Learn how nature photographers are bringing the 'studio' to their subjects for unique interpretations of the nature around us.

Kodak has released three cameras, including the Easyshare Touch M5370; a 16MP, 5x zoom touch-screen compact. It features a 28-140mm equivalent lens and follows Samsung's trend of using MicroSD cards. The company has also created the Z5010 14MP 21x (25-525mm equiv.) superzoom and the M5350, which appears to offer a similar spec to the M5370 but without touch-screen and taking full-size SD cards.

Sandisk has announced a series of cards including SDXC UHS-I cards capable of 95MB/s transfer speeds and Eye-Fi wireless cards for the European market. The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I cards are based on the SD 3.0 standards and can write at 90MB/s to allow bursts of large Raw files or 1080p60 video. They will be available in sizes from 8 to 64Gb. Meanwhile there will be 4 and 8Gb SanDisk/Eye-Fi co-branded cards available in Europe. It's not clear if these differ from the existing Eye-Fi products. (via Megapixel)

Just posted: Panasonic LX5 studio shots updated with firmware v2.0. The latest firmware for the DMC-LX5 is now available, so we've taken the enthusiast compact back into the studio to see what differences it makes. As well as improvements to the already impressive AF speed, Panasonic has also added an extra 'Noise Reduction' option in the menu. This applies additional noise reduction at ISO 1600 and 3200 (the highest full-resolution settings). We've included both NR on and Off in our comparisons at these settings.

Industrial photographer Geoff Helliwell tells us how a business assignment at Sydney Harbor Bridge led to the creation of one of his favorite images.

'The Dawn of the Color Photograph: Albert Kahn's Archives of the Planet' by David Okeofuna presents the early color photographs collected from all over the world by French banker Albert Kahn. The book was published in conjunction with the BBC television series The Wonderful World of Albert Kahn and brings together over 300 of these early 'autochromes.'

Linda McCartney's marriage to Paul sometimes risks overshadowing her photographic work. An established photographer when they met, Linda spent the rest of her life documenting her family's private and professional lives. A career retrospective and memorial to a life cut short, 'Life in Photographs' showcases a rare talent.

Panasonic has reclassified seven of its existing Micro Four Thirds lenses as 'HD' lenses, four of them following a firmware update. Firmware v1.1 aims to improve the image stabilization performance and reduce the focusing noise during video capture. An apparent reassessment of its 'HD' standard sees these four, plus three other existing lenses, reclassified. The firmware can be downloaded immediately from the Panasonic website.

Olympus has announced a firmware update for its flagship E-5 DSLR. Firmware version 1.2 ensures the movement of the dial on the optional HLD-4 battery grip matches the movement of the selected AF point. The update can be installed either via the Olympus imaging software or by downloading a stand-alone installer.

Just posted: Our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V preview samples gallery. The HX100V is the latest offering in Sony's H series of superzooms. It combines a 30x zoom lens (26-810mm equiv.) with Sony's latest 16MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. We've put together a sample gallery that uses the camera in a variety of shooting conditions and including several sweep panorama examples.

Pentax has announced the Optio RZ18 - a compact superzoom camera with 18x zoom lens. The RZ18 combines a very flexible zoom range (25-450mm equivalent) with a 16MP image stabilized CCD sensor. It also features a 460,000 dot LCD and can shoot 720p HD video at 30 frames per second. The RZ18 will be available from October at a recommended price of $299.

These days it seems like every other movie in theatres is 3D, and retailers' shelves are groaning with 3D televisions and home cinema systems. In this first part of our two-part 3D video primer, we look at the history of 3D, the present state of the technology, and take a glimpse at the future.

Japanese adapter maker Rayqual has announced a series of adapters for Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-mount with built-in tripod mounts. The adapters allow the use of long and heavy lenses on mirrorless cameras without the camera having to bear the weight. Adapters are available for Nikon F, M42, Leica R, Olympus OM, Canon FD and Pentax K mounts. Aperture control is not available on the F and K mount versions.

In this second installment of the Photo Tip series, we want to share with you an exercise that will slow you down, train your eye to better evaluate compositional elements and increase your ratio of 'keepers' to rejects.

Nikon shares have risen on rumors of the launch of a mirrorless camera. A report by Japanese financial paper Nikkei (Nihon Keizai Shimbum) suggested the company will launch a camera at a price of around $900-$1300. This was enough to prompt Nikon to take the unusual step of issuing a statement saying it had not announced any such camera. Shares closed 10% higher than on September 6th, boosted by the rumors.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has published a guide to photographers' rights in the US. Following a series of cases of photographers being challenged, and even charged, over shooting images and video of police officers, the ACLU has published a guide to what you are allowed to do as a photographer. It goes on to advise on how to respond if you are challenged by the police and details the additional considerations for people capturing sound recordings of events.

The left side of your brain handles communication and analysis, whereas the right side processes audio and visual inputs. This article explains how an awareness of this duality can help you take better pictures.

Just posted: Updated Panasonic DMC-FZ150 studio comparison shots. We've just re-shot our standard studio test scene with the latest firmware (1.0), and these are now in the comparison tool. During the process, we were able to compare the improvements made between the pre-production image output from firmware v0.2 and the final, consumer-ready quality. As well as updating the samples, we've made a demonstration of the difference - click for more.

Sony Japan has published more detail about the OLED viewfinder used in the NEX-7, SLT-A77, SLT-A65 and the optional EVF for the NEX-5N. The display is manufactured by Sony and is based on white OLEDs that sit behind colored filters, rather than the red, green and blue colored OLEDs used in many other displays. This could explain the apparent higher color accuracy of the Sony display (since it's easier to adjust the behavior of a color filter than change the emission color of an OLED).

Wildlife photographer Uwe Skrzypczak tells us about the working conditions in his favorite part of the world - East Africa, and gives us some insight into the equipment he uses to capture his images.

Nature photographer Erez Marom gives us more insight into his macro shooting techniques and explains how lighting and depth of field can make or break a great macro photograph.

Financial news service Bloomberg is using Japanese market data to show the extent to which Canon and Nikon are facing competition from mirrorless cameras. The report focuses on the success of mirrorless cameras in Japan, eating into the previously dominant market positions of Nikon and Canon. It goes on to quote business analysts as saying 'in the long run, Canon and Nikon will have to enter the market.' (via Rob Galbraith DPI)

Corel has launched the latest version of its PaintShop Pro image processing software. PaintShop Pro X4 has been updated in response to user feedback and adds a series of photography-targeted tools including HDR tools, a 'selective focus' processing tool and the ability to add vignetting to images. The speed and accessibility of the product have also been addressed, along with the addition of tools for sending images to social networking sites. PaintShop Pro X4 will be available for $79 or $99 for the 'Ultimate' version that includes Nik Color Efex 3.0 filters and other extras.

Nik Software has released Color Efex Pro 4, the latest version of its photographic filters plugin. Color Efex Pro 4 includes up to 55 filters and gains the ability to combine filters for the first time, amongst other upgrades. Color Efex is available in 'Complete' or 'Select' editions with 55 or 26 filters respectively, as 32- or 64-bit plugins for Photoshop (CS4 or newer), Lightroom (v2.6 onwards) or Aperture (v2.1.4 or later).

Book review: 'Kertész.' Released on the occasion of a retrospective exhibition curated by the Jeu de Paume Museum in Paris, this magnificent selection of nearly 500 images presents the most comprehensive collection of Hungarian photographer André Kertész's work in print.

Just Posted: Studio comparison shots from the Panasonic DMC-FZ150 superzoom. We've had a DMC-FZ150 in our studio for a few days now and, as promised, have shot our standard test scene with it. The FZ150 replaces the FZ100 and incorporates a lower-resolution 12MP CMOS sensor that the company says will outperform its predecessor's 14MP chip. Like the FZ100 the FZ150 records Raw images, which we've also included in our studio comparison tool.

In this first part of a series on macro photography, nature photographer Erez Marom explains what macro photography means to him and what rules he follows when out shooting in the wild.

Adobe has announced a cloud-based storage, editing and browsing service based around a series of apps called Carousel. Initially available for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Mac OS, the apps allow users to import their photo libraries, which are then available from any other device running Carousel. Any edits or deletions will also automatically be reflected on the other devices, avoiding storage limitations of the device being used. A series of image enhancement tools and pre-defined 'looks' can be applied. Access to the apps will initially cost $59.99/year or $5.99/month, rising to $99.99/year after an introductory period. Support for Windows and other devices, including Android, will follow in early 2012.

Just posted: Our review of the Panasonic DMC-FH7. It's the first of a new style of short review, that we'll use to allow us to review more compact cameras, between the big large-sensor-camera reviews. The Panasonic FH7 is a 4x (28-112mm equiv.) zoom compact with a 16MP CCD sensor. Impressively for the price, it includes a customizable touch-screen and optical image stabilization.

In this first installment of the Photo Tip series, Amadou Diallo explains how to create more dynamic compositions by placing your subject away from the center of the frame.

Just posted: JPEG and Raw samples from the Sigma SD1. We've been using a production Sigma SD1 for a little while now, and although we have only just started our studio testing, we want to share some of our early 'real world' samples with you. In this gallery you will find images of a broad variety of subjects, shot at different ISO settings, in both raw and JPEG mode (albeit using, for now, a very limited range of lenses). We have converted the raw files using Sigma's Photo Pro 5.0 software 'to taste', and performed some minor tweaking of the resultant TIFF files in Adobe Camera Raw.

Epson has announced the Stylus NX430 Small-in-One, a compact, wireless printer, scanner and copier. Without the print tray extended, the unit has a footprint of 39 x 30 cm (15.4 x 11.8"). It is able to scan at 2400 dpi and print at 5760 x 1440 dpi. It can print at a rate of 6.2 ppm for mono prints and 3.2 ppm in color (ISO standard ppm).

DxO has released FilmPack 3, the third version of its sliver halide simulation processing software. The latest version, announced in June, now includes the ability to mimic up to 60 famous black and white, and color films, based on calibration from professional prints, giving what the company claims is the most precise film simulation on the market. Version 3 adds new film looks and color filters. It also brings a greater degree of control, including HSL sliders, a channel mixer for optimizing Black and White conversions and, at customer request, the ability to add vignetting. The software is available in two versions, 'Essentials' and 'Expert,' which offer different levels of function, with introductory pricing starting at $49/€49/£49 for the Essentials version.

The European distributor of Korean lens maker Samyang has announced the price and availability of its 7.5mm fish-eye lens for Micro Four Thirds. The Samyang 7.5mm 1:3.5 UMC Fish-eye MFT will be available from the middle of September at a recommended selling price of €299. The lens offers a 180° diagonal field-of-view and will be available in black and silver. The company says it will be the first in a range of lenses designed specifically for the Micro Four Thirds system.

Just Posted: Samsung NX200 hands-on video. We've written a full preview of the NX200 but there are times when it's easier to show than tell. With that in mind, here's our first hands-on video, which we hope will add a new dimension to our coverage. These won't replace our written content but will, we hope, add something extra. Let us know what you think.

Just posted: EOSHD's show report on the latest developments in DSLR video from IFA. The IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) trade show, currently going on in Berlin, is the world's largest for consumer electronics and home appliances. EOSHD's Andrew Reid went along to hunt down the big news in DSLR HD video.

Wireless flash control company PocketWizard has updated the firmware of its ControlTL system for both Canon and Nikon products. The update works in the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios for both systems. The upgrade adds features such as Hypersync Automation, which attempts to adjust the timing of flash firing in response to shutter speed changes to maximise the sync speed. There is also a Speedcycler mode that, when used with an AC3 Zonecontroller, fires groups of flashes sequentially so that one group is always ready when shooting bursts of images.

Weatherproof, splashproof, waterproof - these are popular terms in the camera manufacturers' marketing material but what do they actually mean? Rob Spray takes a closer look at environmental protection standards and explains them in this article. We've also included the IP (Ingress Protection) ratings for the cameras in our recent 'Compact Waterproof' group test.

Toshiba has announced a WiFi SDHC card that can both transmit and receive data. It's the first card to fully comply with the SD standard, the company says. It also claims lower power consumption than 'other cards with similar functions,' by which you have to assume it means Eye-Fi. The card will be able to share data with compatible cameras, smartphones and WiFi-enabled computers. All cameras with SD slots will be able to broadcast data from the card, and Toshiba says a number of camera makers are considering launching compatible products that will allow data to be received, too.

We're really excited that we can take the wraps off what we hope will become a valuable addition to dpreview.com: a dedicated Articles section. This will be home to all the content we produce that doesn't fit under the reviews and news headings. We've also brought in dozens of new writers to fill this section with explanations of photo techniques, accessory reviews, book reviews, photographer interviews and profiles, and much, much more. Today we've added a handful of articles to get things started, as well as porting some of our existing content, but you can expect to see new articles appearing daily from now on. The really exciting news is that the article creation and management system we've built will soon be made available to everyone - check out the story after the link for more detail.

We've just published the fourth in our series of articles by Uwe Steinmueller of Digital Outback Photo on the art of HDR photography. The fourth chapter (of what will eventually become Uwe's next E-book) covers HDR workflow tools.

Just Posted: Our Samsung NX200 hands-on preview. We've been using a pre-production NX200 with a series of NX lenses over the past few days and have put together a hands-on preview with image samples gallery. This provides an opportunity to see some of the output from the camera's new 20.3MP sensor and also gives an insight into how Samsung's latest NX body behaves.

Samsung has announced the NX200 rangefinder-style 20.3MP mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. The latest in the NX series features a sleek new metal body wrapped around the latest APS-C CMOS sensor from the Korean manufacturer. It can shoot at 7 frames per second and capture 1080p30 HD video.

With the Apple iPhone recently becoming the most popular device for uploading photos to Flickr and new photo and imaging apps appearing in app-stores every day, we decided it was time for our first overview of the coolest photography apps for iPhone and Android powered smart phones.

Tripods are a must-have for long exposures, low light, macro, landscapes, product photography and more. We've taken a close look at five of the best models for under $450. Check out our tripod-roundup to find out what we discovered.

Samsung has announced the MV800, a 16MP compact camera with an innovative hinged LCD screen that allows you to take self-portraits with ease, as well as prop the camera up at angles which allow easy tabletop photography. We've had an MV800 in the office for a few days now - just long enough to prepare a brief hands-on first look.

Samsung has released the MV800 'MultiView' camera, featuring an LCD panel that flips up to allow more flexible photography. Building on the company's two-LCD 'dualview' idea, the MV800 has a screen that flips all the way up, to allow you to see the 3.0" rear LCD while taking a self-portrait. The 16.2MP CCD-based camera has a 26-130mm equiv. lens to maximise its flexibility.

Samsung has launched the WB750, a compact superzoom with an 18x zoom lens. The camera is built around what the company says is a proprietary 12.5MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Despite its slim dimensions, the camera offers a 24-432mm equivalent zoom range with its F3.2-5.8 image stabilized lens. As well as being able to shoot 10 full-resolution frames per second, it can also capture 1080p30 HD video.

Fujifilm has unveiled the X10 - an enthusiast compact with a F2.0-2.8, 28-112mm-equivalent lens. It's built around a 2/3" (6.6 x 8.8mm) CMOS sensor that uses Fujifilm's EXR pixel arrangement. The 12MP sensor can produce either 12MP images in high resolution mode, under-expose half its pixels to provide 6MP images with greater dynamic range, or combine neighboring pixels for a 6MP high sensitivity mode. The X10 borrows extensively from the styling of the X100 (though its zooming viewfinder means you lose the X100's hybrid viewfinder), to give a camera that sits conceptually between the Olympus XZ-1 and the Canon Powershot G12.