Whether it be the classic Sunny 16, or the day reciprocity finally made sense, somewhere along the way we've all picked up a trick or two that has proven invaluable throughout our careers. It's time to learn a few more.
Read MoreLenses
Sony A6000 vs Everything
With news of a Sony A6000 predecessor coming mid-June, two things come to mind for current A6000 fans. One, it's time to buy the latest and greatest; and two, a price drop on the current model only…
Read More5 Absurdly Luxurious Special Edition Leica Cameras
If Leica wasn't already the pinnacle of luxury digital and film cameras, here's a set of special edition Leica cameras that will leave you checking the blue book value on your car. Enjoy!
Read MoreLooks Achieved with Different Types of Camera Lenses
In this article we will take you out of the studio and into the real world, simply trying to find the best shot for each lens type. If you don't yet know difference between an 18mm and a 50mm, read on.
Read MoreWill the Next iPhone Be the First Phone With Optical Zoom?
First reported by AppleInsider, Apple has been working on a patent implementing the potential for both wide angle and telephoto lenses into their phones.
Cell Phones & Digital Zooming
In a post earlier this week titled "Types of Digital Cameras Explained, What’s the Difference?", we detailed camera types from cell phones to large format cameras. The first outstanding feature lacking in cell phone cameras is the ability to optically zoom or even have a prime telephoto focal length.
Optical Zoom vs Digital Zoom
A camera or lens that features an optical zoom, means that physical lens elements and/or groups are internally moving, changing the focal length. An image captured in this manner uses the full capacity of the camera's sensor to capture a more narrow field of view, giving you a zoomed image.
A digital zoom is nothing to brag about, in fact it is hardly a feature at all. A digital zoom is when a camera's processor simply enlarges your normal non zoomed image. The picture quality from zooming in on your iPhone is the same as if you take an image without zooming, and then crop in on it later.
So while optical zooming and digital zoom seem similar by they name, the results in image quality of the two really do not compare.
Can You Fit a Zoom Lens into an iPhone?
Probably not. At about 7mm thick, the iPhone likely has no room for more moving lens elements. If Apple were able to pull this off, I imagine the small change in focal length possible would not be worth the trouble.
Dueling Lenses
With all the requirements for a zoom lens considered, it's probable the answer lies in a Dual Lens System, that's actually not a zoom at all.Rumors of Apple working on a dual lens system first came out late last year. Suspicions are that it may first be seen in the iPhone 6s if not the iPhone 7.
Possible iPhone Telephoto Lens Specs
The secondary lens will likely be a fixed telephoto focal length around 50mm with a slightly higher aperture ratio than the current f/2.2.
Pixel Size, sensor Size, & Crop Factor
Current pixel size on the iPhone sensor is 1.5 µm. The patent calls for use of sensors with 1.2 µm diameter pixels or smaller.
A secondary sensor matching the megapixel resolution of the first, but with smaller pixels, means an overall smaller sensor. Smaller sensors mean larger crop factors, giving images lenses telephoto characteristics by narrowing the field of view.
Doing nothing more than taking the existing iPhone 6 camera system and shrinking the pixels by 0.3 µm would give the effective focal length of about 43mm compared to the current 29mm.
With a slight change in optics and the reduction in sensor size, it's very possible that the new iPhone will feature a fixed 50mm lens in addition to the familiar wide angle 29mm lens.
Looks like we're going to need a longer selfie stick!
View more on the contents of the patent at AppleInsider.com
Budget YongNuo 35mm f/2 Lens for Canon Announced
YongNuo a longtime photographic equipment manufacturer released their first camera lens last month, the sub $70 YongNuo 50mm f/1.8. This lens is a direct competitor and nearly a carbon copy of the 'Nifty Fifty' Canon 50mm f/1.8.
As recent rumors suggested, YongNuo has now released a second lens, the 35mm f/2 lens for the Canon EF mount.
YongNuo 35mm f/2 | $122.00
Focal Length: 35mm Maximum Aperture: f/2.0 Minimum Aperture:F/22 AF & MF Modes Lens Structure :5 Groups, 7 Elements Min. Focusing Distance:0.25m / 0.8ft
The YongNuo 35mm f/2 is at first sight, a rival to the current $550 Canon 35mm f/2 IS. Though with a lack of image stabilization in the YongNuo, a more accurate comparison would be to the original Canon EF 35mm f/2 which also lacks IS.
Being that the non IS Canon 35mm is now discontinued, it can be had used for about $300 and up.
What lens would you like to see next from YongNuo? Comment below!
Inspirational Images from a NASA Space Photographer
Today, Wednesday the 22nd of April, marks the 45th year of Earth Day. A day dedicated for support of environmental protection. In celebration of Earth Day, let's take a look at our planet through the eyes of an astronaut and photographer.
Donald Pettit is an American chemical engineer and NASA astronaut. With seven missions to space and two long stays aboard the International Space Station, Donald gives us and inspirational insight into the vast possibilities of seeing things differently.
NASA Space Photographer: Cupola Frontier
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Time-lapse Earth from Space & Aurora Borealis
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More Awesome Space Pictures from Donald Pettit
For more images visit Don's SmugMug Photo Gallery.
A Case for Street Photography with A Telephoto Lens
Getting close without breaking the candid relationship with your subjects can be extremely difficult. A skilled street photographer will find the composition, adjust settings, get close, frame the shot, capture…
Read MoreCanon 100-400mm II Video Roundup: Reviews, Specs, & More
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM II |
Buy Now: $2,199.00
EF Mount L-Series Lens 3 Mode Optical Image Stabilizer Internal Focus Ring-Type USM AF Motor Weather-Sealed Design One Fluorite and One Super UD Element Air Sphere and Fluorine Lens Coatings Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
A long-reaching telephoto zoom characterized by a sophisticated optical design and advanced image stabilization technologies, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is part of the esteemed L-series developed for full-frame EOS DSLRs. One fluorite element and one Super UD element have been incorporated into the lens' construction, and both help to reduce aberrations and distortions throughout the zoom range in order to deliver notable clarity, image sharpness, and faithful color reproduction. An Air Sphere Coating has also been applied to lens elements in order to reduce lens flare and ghosting for more contrast-rich imagery. Benefitting the optical components of the lens, a four-stop effective Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake and can be dedicated to different styles of shooting. Furthermore, a redeveloped rotation-type zoom ring pairs with an internal focusing mechanism, and an Ultrasonic Motor, to deliver quick and intuitive handling to benefit handheld shooting. Positioned as a versatile option for sports and wildlife photographers, this lens' list of attributes make it a viable telephoto zoom for a variety of shooting applications. [s]
Canon 100-400mm II Quick Look
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Hands on review, Canon 100-400mm II
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Review & Sample Photos, Canon 100-400mm II
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Canon 100-400mm II vs TAMRON 150-600 VS Sigma 150-600 Sport vs Canon 400 f5.6
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Lens Review, Canon 100-400mm II
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Canon 100-400mm II Video Sample, Gulfstream g650 Landing
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HANDS ON REVIEW, CANON 100-400mm
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Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM II Full Specs
Performance
Focal Length
100 - 400mm
Aperture
Maximum: f/4.5 - 5.6
Camera Mount Type
Canon EF
Format Compatibility
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Angle of View
24° - 6° 10'
Minimum Focus Distance
3.2' (97.54 cm)
Magnification
0.31x
Elements/Groups
21/16
Diaphragm Blades
9, Rounded
Features
Image Stabilization
Yes
Autofocus
Yes
Tripod Collar
Yes Removable - rotating
Physical
Filter Thread
Front:77 mm
Dimensions (DxL)
Approx. 3.7 x 7.6" (93.98 x 193.04 mm)
Weight
3.5 lb (1.59 kg)
Shipping Info
Shipping Weight
5.3 lb
Box Dimensions (WxHxD)
7.4 x 7.2 x 12.5
The Artistry & Technique of A London Forensic Photographer
As photographers we often find ourselves waist deep in odd-jobs searching for that next big opportunity. From the inaugural $150 wedding job to the corporate client that pays more for three days of work than you've ever made in a month; opportunities can take you anywhere and everywhere in-between.
How about the opportunity to investigate a murder? Heck, maybe even solve one? Well this is the day to day reality of London Metropolitan Police Department Forensic Photographer Nick Marsh. With 30 years on the force, and 20 of them as a forensic photographer, Nick's uses his analytical approach to photography fusing art and technique to unearth some of London's most gruesome mysteries.
The Forensic Photographer
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The Photographic Eye
Imagine this: There's a young woman sitting in a café near the window...
The portrait photographer notices how the contours of her face are gently lit by the setting sun, while the photojournalist sees the empty seat in front of her and the constant glances outside. The forensic photographer sees a perfect lipstick mark left on the coffee cup, while the fashion photographer prefers a lighter shade.
First popularized by Malcolm Gladwell's book "Outliers: The Story of Success", it's commonly said that to become an expert at something, it takes 10,000 hours of practice at the given skill. That's roughly 20 hours a week for 10 years.
While that may be true, it surely doesn't take that long to develop a habit. Meaning it doesn't necessarily take 10 years behind the camera to start to think like a photographer. As photographers we train ourselves consciously and subconsciously through experience and muscle memory. With all the places photography can take you, it's interesting how each of us interpret our surroundings differently, what I call - how we perceive the woman by the window.
This short documentary by director David Beazley provides an intriguing look at one photographers such interpretations of the world around him.
It's All About the Light
One recurring piece of insight you'll find time and time again from professional photographers is that it's not about the camera it's about the photographer. On the importance of photographic equipment, Nick Marsh would tell you:
"As a matter of fact the camera in most types of photography we undertake is irrelevant, it's about light. It's about understanding about the way light is going and what we need to see in our image."
..And the Knowledge
Sure you need equipment capable enough for the type of work you are doing, but beyond that it's not about how many bells and whistles you've got or how big you camera case is. Nick stresses the importance training in photography. For him the artistic eye is used to unearth the fact of the matter, while being sure not to misrepresent the reality of the scene.
"If you've got limited training, say for example a fatal accident, and you're trying to recreate that for the jury as-is with true perspective, one of the most common things I see is the use things like a wide-angled lens. Which clearly distorts perspective and appears to make the the vehicles look twice the distance they are away. So if you put that into court you're actually giving them false information.. The Level of knowledge is reduced."
The Proactive Use of Light in Forensic Photography
In the video Nick mentions an investigation of a murder where crucial evidence was discovered on the wall of a flat by use of infrared imaging. In his book Forensic Photography: A Practitioner's Guide he details the crime further.
... In this case a suspect was arrested for multiple murders around the St Pancras area of London. On his arrest his flat was searched and half a torso was found in his bedroom. When the rest of flat was treated with luminol in the search for blood, it was clear that thcrc had been a lot of previous activity. When a light source search was carried out for latent linger marks to ascertain who else might have been there, in terms of victims or other suspects, a small area of erased writing was found, as in the above case. In this case, however, it was almost illegible even under the laser. As is standard practice we then repeated the search area using a tunable light source through the spectrum, starting at UV finishing at IR. To mist with the viewing of IR, a video camera with an IR viewing mode was used and this time the area showed a girl's name. The walls of the flat were then speculatively searched and vidcoed (as required) using IR and another four or five names were found. These names subsequently turned out to be the names of previous victims.
If you're curious what it takes be a London MET Forensic Photographer, well first you've got to already be employed as Police Photographic Officer. Second, you can take this course:
Professional Forensic Photography Attendance Criteria
This course is for police staff currently employed as Photographic Officers.
Course aim
To enable the student to develop advanced stills techniques to use at Scenes of Crime.
Course objectives
The student will be able to:
Demonstrate using the equipment Describe relevant procedures and policy that impact on crime scene photography Demonstrate the ability to adapt techniques to different scenes Describe legal issues that impact on crime scene photography Demonstrate completing relevant paperwork Conduct critical assessment of their work
Duration; 15 days Course number; CS209
Could You Choose Your Best 6 Images?
As a photographer the worst thing you can do is miss the shot. Luckily with a good eye, experience, and enough battery, this won't often happen. There's an expression in photography that goes:
"Spray and Pray."
You won't find this in any text books, as it's typically used to poke-fun at your mates. Anyway the point here is, what do we do with all those images once we get back to the computer? You've got your social media, your online portfolio, and maybe even a few prints. But how do you possibly choose the best images over thousands upon thousands?
Could you narrow it down to 100? Could you do 50? How about 6?
Mission Impossible
Well that's exactly what a new website is asking you to do. International photography magazine InMyBag has introduced what they claim to be:
"The World’s Only Searchable Database of Photographers and their Gear."
Should You Choose to Accept...
On their website, photographers will create a profile, add their equipment to the gear list, and choose their 6 best images. Users will be able to browse the database and compare up to 12 photos from photographers profiles, including the gear used to get the shot. The site boasts 3 unique searchable features that enable users to find what they're looking for.
- Kit Wars compares photographers and the gear they use side by side
- Talents drills down awesome photographers by genre, location, etc.
- GearHeads gives you the low down on tonnes of gear and who uses it.
How Can I Enter?
Being as is just getting off the ground, those who sign up get a chance to win $4,400 USD (£3,000) worth of gear. You can sign up at the bottom of the page here.
I Though it was About the Photographer Not the Gear..
Comparing photographers based on gear is a touchy subject for many. InMyBag is claiming that the ability to browse by gear will be a valuable resource enabling users to view the full potential of a given camera or lens. I think centrally comparing photography cameras with real world examples will indeed be a useful tool for many. Is it right for you?
Full Press Release
If you love photography, then you’ll love The World’s Only Searchable Database of Photographers and their Gear from international photography magazine InMyBag. You can now select photographers by different criteria- for instance, genre, location, equipment etc and then Inmybag’s clever visual search engine presents you with the best images of each photographer.
This ‘Kit Wars’ system lets you select up to 12 images you love, stack these photographers and their gear side by side to discover new talent and see what gear they have in common. So, whether it’s wedding photographers from the USA or Car photographers from around the globe, or creative portrait photographers in general, you can get a new and fascinating insight.
‘Gear Heads’ provides a new perspective on photography equipment and shows you the best image from each photographer who uses that item. It really shows you the potential of the gear and acts as inspiration for up and coming photographers.
“We wanted to utilise all the information we capture by featuring and promoting a different photographer per day on Inmybag. We’d like to become the Wiki-tographers of the internet: providing a free resource which will enable us to build a historical and evolving picture of photography as it embraces shifts in technology.”
“We want to be able to pull out fascinating observations about photographers, for example, how little gear woman photographers tend to use compared to the male counterparts, to the most popular lens for portrait photographers and how it varies by country.” said Simon Ellingworth, Editor of Inmybag.
What’s interesting about this project is it has an open door policy and so embraces photographers of any skill, level, genre, or location. It doesn’t matter if you use an iPhone, GoPro, video or traditional film – everybody’s welcome.
To encourage photographers to submit, this month Inmybag have teamed up with Swiss lighting specialists Elinchrom and are offering the chance to win £3,000 ($4,400 USD) worth of gear.
Submission is simple; each entrant to the site generates an online profile which features their 6 best shots, web and social media links which helps promote their photography to our global audience.
Going Analog, Full 35mm Photography Kit Under $50
There's much to be debated when asking "Is film dead?" In my opinion it could best be summarized by saying, "Film is not dead, it's just not a necessity." Though some film purists would disagree.
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