PT360: Episode 2 – Rumors, Controversy, and Gear, Oh My!
- Micro four-thirds system
- 16.1MP live MOS sensor
- Up to 8.5fps shooting capability
- Up to ISO 25600
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- OLED electronic viewfinder
- 3-inch tilting LCD touchscreen
It’s time for round two of Photography talk’s weekly blog. This week we dive into some controversy and examine the right to privacy and copyright law as it pertains to being photographed. We also look at some hot new photography gear that could very well change the way you approach photography. We offer up some inspiration with a photo of the week and give you a review of a great book in our book of the week segment as well. Let’s dive in and see what’s happening this week in the world of photography!
The Rumor Mill
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, This Mirrorless Camera Has It All!
Photo Rumors reported a few days ago that the new Olympus E-M10 Mark II mirrorless camera would be announced soon, and they were right. The camera, which is officially called the OM-D E-M10 Mark II, had it’s coming out party on August 25th.
The camera boasts a number of exciting features:
For those of you that shoot video, this new Olympus also has 4K time-lapse shooting capabilities, as well as 1080p HD video recording at 60fps. If styling is important to you, the camera is available in black and silver.
Pricing for the E-M10 Mark II starts at price bumps up to $949.99.
Have used camera gear you want to sell or trade in? Get a free quote HERE.
Attention Action and Wildlife Photographers: Canon Has Patented Your New Favorite Lens
Camyx is reporting that Canon has patented a design for its new EF-S 100-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens. Although most of its specifications have not been revealed, the patent application did include the following diagram of the lens’ construction:
Image from Camyx
The lens is designed with Canon’s EOS series cameras with APS-C sensors in mind, such as the 7D, 70D, and the Rebel line.
The 3x optical zoom and 35mm focal range equivalent, along with Canon’s integrated image stabilization feature, would make this a must-have lens for photographers that capture wildlife, action shots, and sports. The fact that it would extend to 300mm is nice as well, given that Canon’s longest focal length in its telephoto line is currently the 55-250mm f/4-5.6.
While a patent application doesn’t mean that this lens will ever actually be produced, it is exciting to think that it could be added to Canon’s lineup of telephoto lenses sometime in the future. We’ll provide updates on this exciting development as they become available.
Book of the Week
Our book of the week selection is all about light. Michael Freeman’s Capturing Light: The Heart of Photography takes aim at capturing the perfect light for your images.
The book has just three sections. Waiting delves into the types of light that photographers can find with just a little bit of patience. Chasing highlights elusive forms of lighting that photographers must work quickly to capture. Helping offers practical tips for producing, reducing, and otherwise controlling light either in the field or in post-processing.
With in-depth tips for all lighting occasions and gorgeous photos as examples, Capturing Light offers photographers of all ability levels the insights they need to master this all-important aspect of photography. The book is available at Amazon in paperback for $21.09 or on Kindle for $18.33.
In the News
No More Paparazzi: UAE Passes Strict Copyright Law
Prince William recently made headlines when he requested that global media outlets respect his family’s privacy and not publish any unauthorized paparazzi photos of his child, Prince George.
The plea from the British royal family brings to the forefront the lack of protections for individuals photographed in a public place. Aside from filing a harassment claim against photographers that are excessively aggressive, there really is no recourse for British individuals who do not wish to have clandestine photos of them published.
However, as reported by the Data Protection Report, that is not the case in the United Arab Emirates, which has a very strict copyright law that prevents publication of photographs without the consent of the subject. While there are some exceptions that allow for photos of public servants, celebrities, and public events to be published, the law even provides guidelines for sharing images and tagging people on social media. Furthermore, any image that is published must not compromise the person being photographed or otherwise prejudice their position.
The UAE law offers a unique – and completely different – perspective on privacy as it relates to publication and distribution of images than many Western nations. What are the chances such a law is ever passed in the U.S.?
Strike a Pose: The Met Highlights Staged Photography
Running through January 18, 2016, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Grand Illusions: Staged Photography from the Met Collection offers a glimpse into the nature of posed photography. A variety of methods photographers use to pose and stage their photographs is explored in the small, 40-piece collection. The collection exemplifies the mixture of reality and fiction that photographers often strive to create. Also explored is the relationship of photography with literature and cinema. For further details about the exposition, visit the Met online.
Gear Review
Panono’s Throwable Panoramic Camera is a Ball to Use
It’s probably a good assumption that most of our readers do not have a ball-shaped panoramic camera that can take photos in all directions simultaneously. But if you want one, you’re in luck!
The Panono Explorer ball camera has 36 onboard cameras that create a 360° view of your surroundings on the vertical and horizontal plane. Simply throw the camera skyward, and it will trigger its cameras at the highest point to snap a 100-megapixel panoramic shot. The camera can be triggered with the companion phone app, or if you want to hold the camera you just have to press a button to activate the shutter.
Pros: At just 11cm in diameter and 480 grams in weight, this camera is easy to handle and carry around. Plus, it’s a ball with 36 integrated cameras that you can throw around. How cool is that?!
Cons: But be careful that you have good hands – while the manufacturer encourages you to throw your camera up in the air, the camera is not guaranteed to survive an impact with the ground. At $1,499.00, the price will also be an issue for most of us.
Photo of the Week
This week’s photo inspiration comes from Photography Talk member Lars van de Goor. The photo, aptly titled “Tulips and Clouds,” was selected because of its surreal appearance. The mist in the mid-ground gives the sense of mystery and makes the trees in the background look as though they are floating. The leading lines in the foreground draw you into the scene, and the bright red tulips provide a nice contrast to the deep blue of the sky. The photo is quintessential Netherlands!
Gear and Gizmos
There are an abundance of excellent photo editing suites out there, some that are very expensive, like Photoshop, and others that are completely free. This installment of Gear and Gizmos highlights two of the best free photo editors available today.
Pixlr Editor
Pixlr is a browser-based editor that allows you to edit photos from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. There are many tool options to make the editing experience complete, from selections to spot healing to color control. There’s a nice variety of filters too. Work in layers, transform objects, and replace color as well. With a Photoshop-like interface, Pixlr looks and feels familiar to seasoned photo editors.
GIMP
Image from GIMP
The old standard of free photo editing suites, GIMP has many advanced tools that other free photo editors don’t have. Fix perspective distortion, get rid of unwanted items with the clone tool, and add text with relative ease. A customizable interface gives you the power to create custom tool sets and docks that best fit your workflow and needs. The hardware support for pressure and tilt sensitive tablets are nice touches as well. Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Up Your Game With This Online Photography Program
Whether you've just purchased your first DSLR camera or you’re an experienced photographer, the Professional Photography Course offered by the New York Institute of Photography (NYIP) will help you develop the skills you need to be successful.
The online program includes 270 hours of study, which you can complete at your own pace without worrying about due dates or end-of-semester exams. Subject matter includes everything from developing an eye for composition to learning the business tools you need to develop a career. The program also pairs you with a mentor whose expertise and experience in photography gives you an informed advisor to help you along the way.
This nationally accredited and state licensed program is an excellent solution for aspiring photographers that need a formal, yet flexible environment to develop their craft. Read more about the program in our August 2015 edition of What’s Hot.