Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Leica ‘Mini M’ Specs Leak Out as the ‘X Vario Type 107’

By

Leica-X-Vario-Type-107-camera

It appears that the cat is fully out of the bag with the upcoming Leica Mini M, the proper model name of which will be the Leica X Vario Type 107.

Additionally, the initial specs that we hoped were wrong have been all-but-confirmed, which means the new camera will sport an APS-C sensor and a fixed 18-46mm f/3.5-6.4 zoom lens. As such, it seems that the X Vario Type 107 will be paired as a sibling to the 24mm f/2.8 fixed lens Leica X2. However, if the price turns out to be what’s rumored below, then it may cost substantially more in the US than the $2000 X2.

Additional leaked specs for the X Vario Type 107 are below. [Read more…]

 

New Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens Unveiled

By

EF-M 11-22mm f4-5.6 IS STM

Canon has released a new lens for the EOS M system. The Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens becomes the third lens in the EF-M series – accompanied by the 18-55mm standard zoom and 22mm f/2 lenses that were released alongside the original EOS M camera last summer (read our Canon EOS M review).

On the APS-C sensor of the EOS M, the new 11-22mm lens provides the full frame equivalent coverage of roughly 18-35mm. Of course, as you can tell from the lens name acronyms, it features built-in image stabilization (Canon cites 3-stop shutter speed advantage) and the new STM motor for quite operation during video capture.

The EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens has a .15m minimum focus distance and features a retractable lens design, along with a manual focus ring.

No word yet on price or availability.

Read the full press release below. [Read more…]

GIMP 2.8 for Photographers – New Book

By

GIMP Book

GIMP 2.8 for Photographers is a new book from designer and photographer Klaus Goelker, which teaches photographers how to leverage the open source GIMP 2.8, which runs on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows, as an alternative to Photoshop.

GIMP 2.8 for Photographers is a beginner’s guide to the GIMP; topics include the new user interface and tools, the basics of image editing and simple adjustments, advanced techniques using layers and masks, developing RAW images, working with the improved text tool, and preparing high-quality black-and-white images.

GIMP 2.8 for Photographers retails for $39.95; however, it is currently available for $23.11 on Amazon.com.

It is also available as a Kindle Edition for $16.95 here on Amazon.

onOne Software’s Perfect Photo Suite 7.5 is Now Available

By

onOne Perfect Photosuite 7

onOne Software has just released Perfect Photo Suite 7.5. There are three editions:

  1. Standard
  2. For Lightroom & Aperture
  3. Premium

Perfect Photo Suite 7.5 includes the following applications:

  1. Perfect Effects 4
  2. Perfect B&W
  3. Perfect Portrait 2
  4. Perfect Layers 3
  5. Perfect Resize 7.5
  6. Perfect Mask 5.2
  7. FocalPoint 2

onOne Software offers support for Aperture 2.1 and 3, Photoshop CS6, CS5 and CS4, Lightroom 5, 4, 3, 2 and Photoshop CC. All versions are also capable of working as a standalone application.

The updates in Perfect Photo Suite 7.5 are noted in the breakdown from onOne Software below: [Read more…]

Steadicam Curve Hands-On

By

Steadicam Curve

Tiffen launched its new Steadicam Curve at NAB 2013. The Curve is designed to work with GoPro HERO cameras.

I stopped by Tiffen’s booth to try out the Steadicam Curve and was instantly impressed with the usability of the device.

The Curve only weighs a half pound and is made to be operated with only one hand. It is the first Steadicam product that I have picked up and instantly felt at ease with it. For those who are intimidated by these stabilizer devices, this would be a great place to start. [Read more…]

Is Leica Gaming the Rumor Mill? Will the Leica Mini M Be Awesome?

By

Leica Mini M Rumors vs Truth

When Leica first teased the Mini M, I was ready to bet big on an APS-C mirrorless camera that accepts M-mount lenses. Then came the supposed leak that everyone pretty much took as gospel. It sure looked legit anyway.

The latest tease on the Leica website, however, casts doubt on the previous “leak” of the Mini M, which purportedly revealed its specs with a fixed lens in the 18-46mm range and a rather slow variable aperture of f/3.5-6.4. All in all, it was underwhelming and left many of us scratching our heads. [Read more…]

Adobe Confirms Photoshop CC Release for June 17

By

Photoshop CC

Adobe has confirmed that it will release Photoshop CC on June 17.

As you well know by now, the next version of Photoshop is slated for exclusive release to Creative Cloud subscribers, which has been a hotly-debated topic in recent weeks. Those wishing to maintain a perpetual license will be limited to Photoshop CS6, which Adobe will continue to sell. However, the killer new features will only be available in Photoshop CC going forward.

Currently, Adobe has deals for students that allow for full Creative Cloud subscriptions at $20/mo (ends June 25) and those with CS3 or higher serial numbers can join for $30/mo (ends July 31).