New version of the Nik Collection to be released in 2018!

DxO announced that it will release a new version of the Nik Collection to be released in 2018:

Like you, we are passionate about photography and image quality. That’s why we view this opportunity with Nik as a commitment to ensure that you — that all of us who enjoy taking photos — are guaranteed to have the very best solutions at our disposal.
You’ll be happy to know that our developers are enthusiastically working on a new version of the Nik Collection to be released in 2018!

 

Luminar 2018 update adds Sony A7rIII, Panasonic G9, Canon M100 and Leica CL support

Macphun releases a new update for Luminar 2018 (Click here). All latest camera models are now supported and this is the improvements list:

WINDOWS USERS

  • Work faster. Luminar can now launch more quickly.  Plus you’ll see a faster-editing performance and better RAM usage.
  • Save Native files. Be sure to save your editing projects in the new native Luminar format.  This makes it easy to come back and edit later.
  • Clone & Stamp released. Remove objects and blemishes with ease!
  • LUT Mapping. Any LUT you’ve chosen can now be stored to a preset with no need to link to the original .cube file.
  • More export control. You can choose to export to the Adobe RGB wide color profile or the ProPhoto RGB color space on export. You can also sharpen an exported file which is great for printing.
  • Better masking controls. Users can adjust both the feather and density controls on a mask to refine the blending of layers. When editing a mask, a user can also press the X hotkey to toggle between Paint/Erase brush mode.
  • More editing control. Now even more raw formats can be edited natively with our RAW Develop filter.  All filters also support advanced blending mode options as well.

MAC USERS

  • Work faster. We’ve improved compatibility with OS X 10.10, 10.11 support. The Histogram also updates in real-time. Users will also enjoy Performance and RAM usage improvements. When editing press Cmd+L to quickly access the Filters list as well.
  • RAW image improvements. Luminar does a better job of detecting noise in a raw file and automatically fixing it when you open to a photo.  DNG file support is also improved for easier editing. Plus even more raw formats can be edited natively with our RAW Develop filter.
  • Improved workflow with other applications. We’ve addressed several small bugs reported when working with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Lightroom, and Photos for Mac.
  • Better batch processing. A streamlined user interface makes batch processing even easier to fix multiple photos at once. Additional improvements also made to address user-reported issues.
  • Improved Native files. Save your editing projects in the native Luminar format which makes it easy to come back and edit in the future. Plus files can be shared between Mac and Windows users.
  • LUT Mapping. Any LUT you’ve chosen can now be stored to a preset with no need to link to the original .cube file.
  • More plugin support. Luminar can also use Topaz plugins within the Luminar editing workflow.
  • Improved exports. Photos can now be exported to SmugMug for online sharing.  The Sharpen on Export filter is also improved for crisper images.
  • Better masking controls. Users can adjust the density controls on a mask to refine the blending of layers. When editing a mask, a user can also press the Backspace hotkey to reset gradient/radial mask drawing.

Don’t forget you get $10 off using our code “MIRROR” when buying Luminar 2018.

Hasselblad Launches XPan Lens Adapter for the X System

And today we have another Hasselblad news :) They announced a new XPan Lens Adapter.

Press text:

Hasselblad Launches XPan Lens Adapter for the X System

Hasselblad expands its range of accessories for the X System with the new XPan Lens Adapter, allowing photographers to use their legacy XPan lenses on the award-winning X System

The Hasselblad XPan lens series was released in 1998 and the new adapter bridges the iconic optics with the latest imaging capabilities from the mirrorless X1D system, just recently benchmarking the highest score by DxO Mark. The sleek new adapter is lightweight, compact, and works seamlessly into the setup.

“The original XPan lenses inspired us when we introduced the current X1D lenses,” said Ove Bengtsson – Product Manager. “The new XPan Lens Adapter speaks to two major aspects of Hasselblad, our drive to innovate and push medium format technology such as the X1D and also to our respect for the legacy equipment that many photographers still rely on to this day. This adapter is the merger of those ideas and that’s what makes this announcement so exciting.”

Customers utilizing the new XPan Lens Adapter first are advised to update their X1D to Firmware 1.20, launched on December 19, 2017. This update also includes a new Selectable Crop Mode that features the classic proportions of the XPan system. Hasselblad will continue to support its legacy and new products alike with plans to create a V to X system adapter and a dual battery charger for the X1D.

The XPan Adapter will be available in mid-January and will retail at €179 / US $179 / £159 / RMB ¥ 1,580 / JPY ¥ 21,999 incl. VAT.

Supported XPan lenses:
30mm f5.6
45mm f4
90mm f4

XPan Lens Adapter:
Diameter: 73mm
Height: 21.4mm
Weight: 112g

*XPan lenses are no longer manufactured nor sold by Hasselblad.

Hasselblad firmware update 1.20 adds X-Pan mode and EVF preview to X1D

Press text via Dpreview:

Hasselblad continues to push the development of their systems further with new features in the 1.20 Firmware update.

Hasselblad continues to expand on the capabilities of its highly unique and renowned camera systems with the latest firmware update. The 1.20 Firmware brings exciting new updates and functionality to the X and H Systems that allow photographers and artists help capture their creative vision.

These new features include Instant Preview and Imaging Browsing through the X1D EVF, a beneficial utility that many photographers rely on. Firmware 1.20 also offers creative Selectable Crop Modes including the popular X-Pan Ratio (65:24), 1:1, 7:6, 5:4, 3:2, 16:9, 2:1, A4, US Letter and more.

“Hasselblad is a company that designs and creates tools for photographers. We have released many firmware updates in the past year. It shows our dedication to our customers and that we are listening to their feedback on how to improve.” said Ove Bengtsson, Product Manager.

Hasselblad is pleased to also announce contrast autofocus compatibility using the XH lens adapter with a select group of HC/HCD lenses. A full list of updates for the X and H Systems can be found below along with compatible lenses for the XH lens adapter.

https://www.hasselblad.com/x1d/firmware/
https://www.hasselblad.com/h6d/firmware/

X1D: v1.20.0

  • Instant preview and image browsing in EVF
  • Selectable crop modes
  • Back-up to secondary card
  • Added EXIF tag: Lens Model
  • Spirit level overlay: More info added (Exposure time, Aperture value, ISO)
  • Touchpad: Pan in zoomed-in EVF live view
  • Touchpad; Move focus point with HDMI attached screen
  • Contrast auto focus with XH adapter*
    *works now with following lenses:
    HCD 4/28mm
    HC 3,5/35mm
    HC 3,5/50 mm
    HC 3,5/50 mm II
    HC 2,8/80 mm
    HC 2,2/100mm

The lenses need to be upgraded to lens firmware version 19.0.2
More info here: https://www.hasselblad.com/x1d/firmware/

H6D: v1.20.0

  • Selectable crop modes in Live View
  • Back-up to secondary card
  • Added EXIF tag: Lens Model
  • Spirit level overlay: More info added (Exposure time, Aperture value, ISO

Flickr reports uploaded photos from DSLR increased while mirrorless stalled

 

Flickr just released some interesting data about the photos uploaded in 2017:

Smartphones accounted for 50% of the photos uploaded to Flickr, up from 48% in 2016.
DSLR was 33%, up from 25% in 2016, and point and shoot was 12%, down from 21% in 2016.
Mirrorless remained at 4% of total uploads for the third year in a row.

When it comes to brands, Apple iPhones remained the dominant camera models, with 54% of the top 100 devices being named iPhone and an almost clean sweep of the top 10 Devices of 2017, accounting for 9 our of the top 10 devices. The Canon 5D Mark III placed 9th in the Top 10 Devices on Flickr of 2017. The iPhone6, iPhone6s, and iPhone5s were the most popular iPhone cameras respectively. Canon was the second largest brand used by photographers on Flickr, responsible for 23% of the top 100 devices. Nikon was the third most popular brand of 2017, with 18%.

 

 

The growth of DSLR images and stall of Mirrorless goes against the recent reports from CIPA. Those data suggest mirrorless camera shipments are still growing while DSLR is not. Dpreview analyzed that CIPA data and wrote:

Compared to October 2016, only 78 percent of DSLRs were shipped globally, but 112 percent for mirrorless, indicating that mirrorless is continuing its rise while simultaneously cannibalizing market share from its DSLR cousins. Most of the mirrorless shipments are going to the Asia region, though, which still accounts for more than 50 percent of all mirrorless cameras shipped. Globally, mirrorless is now 36 percent of the total market for ILC.

A possible explanation is that mirrorless is very popular in Asia. And Flickrs is mostly a place for the so-called “western countries”. But that’s just my guess.